Practicum.
For my practicum, I took the class ENES140. This class was about discovering new ventures through entrepreneurship. The course focused on building the basic business, strategy, and leadership skills needed to be able to plan, launch, and manage successful startups. With weekly readings, evaluations, discussion boards, and quizzes, this class provided the ability to recognize issues of importance and concern to entrepreneurs, what a good opportunity looks like, and what skills and talents successful entrepreneurs possess. The class ended with an Opportunity Analysis Canvas project that required coming up with an idea for a product and creating a plan to develop and launch it.
My Practicum Experience.
I was able to learn a variety of valuable skills by taking this course. I am now able to think, see, and act like an entrepreneur would. I am able to think entrepreneurially with my awareness of the entrepreneurial mindset, motivation, and behavior. With my attention on industry conditions, industry status, macroeconomic change, and competition, I am able to cultivate seeing entrepreneurially. And lastly, with my knowledge of value innovation and opportunity identification, I am able to act entrepreneurially as well.
The Practicum's Effect On My Life.
From taking this course, I have been able to adopt the entrepreneurial mindset which has caused me to grow as a student, leader, and professional. As a student, the mindset has taught me the importance of making the best use of my time. I used to be procrastinate very often, but now I realize that I achieve the most success as a student when I do things ahead of time. The entrepreneurial mindset also emphasizes the importance of creativity. This has impacted my mindset as a leader by learning to think more outside the box. Professionally, I have grown because I know now how important it is to take advantage of opportunities.
Self Evaluations.
In this course, we did weekly evaluations that give students an idea of how closely their mindset is to the ideal entrepreneurial mindset. These evaluations tested things such as self-efficacy, confidence, tolerance for ambiguity, and more. Not only did these evaluations give a report of what level you are at, but there is also information in the textbook that directly tells you what is necessary to improve and maintain those skills. These evaluations have made me learn more about myself. I have been able to grow and become a better leader and entrepreneur by learning how to improve on my weaknesses and how to maintain my strengths.
Applying What I Have Learned.
Since I plan to do something in the business field, it is very important to have an entrepreneurial mindset. These skills will be able to directly help me in my future life by making me a more innovative and creative leader. I know the importance of taking the right opportunities and allowing myself to take the right risks. This course has given me a sense of what an entrepreneur is and how the business world works.
Future Plans.
I will enter the business school next semester and follow through with a major in business/finance. I am looking to also possibly minor in public leadership minor. Next summer, I will look for an internship where I plan to build connections and increase my knowledge about business.
From the connections I make through my work and my future internship, I will look for a job in the business/finance field after college. I hope to live in D.C. and find a job that I love but also gives me a stable income. I plan to continuing learning and developing new skills, while I work hard and strive to be the best I can at my job.
From the connections I make through my work and my future internship, I will look for a job in the business/finance field after college. I hope to live in D.C. and find a job that I love but also gives me a stable income. I plan to continuing learning and developing new skills, while I work hard and strive to be the best I can at my job.
Moving Forward.
Throughout my experience in Public Leadership and my practicum, the skills I have developed have prepared me well for my future job search after graduation in the business field. My improved public speaking skills will help me with interviews and communication. Also, the experience I have gained with leadership will set me apart from other applicants.
Elevator Pitch.
Throughout my experience in the Public Leadership Scholars program, I have gained an extensive amount of skills that have set me up for success. From the scholars classes, volunteer work, and my practicum, I have grown as a public speaker, team member, student, and leader. These skills will benefit me in my future job in the business field because it is essential to have effective interpersonal and leadership skills as a manager of a company. I am extremely thankful to be given this opportunity that will have a great positive impact on the rest of my life.