Entrepreneurship

What is Entrepreneurship:

The word entrepreneur comes from the French “entre” (to enter) and “prendre” (to take), and typically describes someone who takes on the risks, responsibilities, and accountabilities to enter into a new business or venture. Entrepreneurs are everywhere, from the owner of the local corner coffee shop - to the developer of the regional outlet center - to the creator of many of the world’s top Brands. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple; Oprah Winfrey, founder of Harpo Inc; and Herb Kelleher, co-founder of Southwest Airlines are all well know entrepreneurs who have changed the way that we live and inspire an appreciation of what is possible.

Entrepreneurship is one of the great builders of wealth in society and one of the greatest creators of opportunities, jobs, and innovation.  It also can be a key to self sufficiency and success, as Carl Schramm, President of the Kauffman Foundation, the leading foundation for entrepreneurship writes in his book, The Entrepreneurial Imperative. Carl writes, “[Entrepreneurship] says that individuals can control their economic destiny by expressing their creativity and urge to help others through the medium of moving ideas into the market by forming new entrepreneurial firms.” All you need is an idea and the will to succeed and you are on your way!

Entrepreneurship can be whatever you want it be. To us at CE, Entrepreneurship means channeled passion, opportunity, and freedom!

The CE Entrepreneurship Story:

Career Explorations was founded back in 2003 by then high school student Seth Flowerman after Seth’s entrepreneurial internship experience. Since then, Seth and CE have won numerous awards for student entrepreneurship including:

  • 2004 Junior Achievement International Student Entrepreneur Award
  • 2007 Kaplan Most Promising Campus CEO
  • 2008 Businessweek’s 25 Entrepreneurs under 25
  • 2008 Global Student Entrepreneur Awards

Why Student Entrepreneurship:

It is never too early to become an entrepreneur, so why not now?  In fact, many of the world’s greatest companies, from Dell Computers to Microsoft to Facebook to FedEx were started out of a Dorm Room. College is a great time to become an entrepreneur for many reasons.

  • Killer optimism - if you think it can be done, it can be done, even if everyone else thinks it’s impossible
  • Lower risk – without a family or mortgage to take care, the perceived risk is very low
  • Support as a student from your high school, family, and friendsl
  • Talented network of friends willing to work at a below market rate

Resources for Student Entrepreneurs:

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