10
edits
Changes
no edit summary
= Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship =
While the word ''Entrepreneurship'' has been tossed around Western Michigan University's campus for quite some time, it has only recently become a reality for WMU students. As of fall Fall 2014, students can apply for either the an '''Entrepreneurship major''' or '''Entrepreneurship minor'''. These programs feature classes from both the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences (CEAS) and the Haworth College of Business (HCoB).
Within CEAS, students can enroll in the Bachelors of Science in Engineering program '''Industrial & Entrepreneurial Engineering (IEE)'''. IEE combines traditional industrial engineering methodologies while focusing on innovation and design thinking. Students graduate with the mindset of both an industrial engineer and an entrepreneur, giving them the knowledge and expertise to either open their own business or to lead to innovative discoveries within established companies.The program was also presented with the '''''Innovation in Curriculum''''' Award at the 2013 Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) National Conference.
Additionally, the School of Music hosts an annual '''Entrepreneurial Extravaganza''', a day-long workshop that combines resume writing, mock interviews, finance tips, marketing strategies, and networking. Through classes, workshops, and collaborative projects, students have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to be successful in their music career'''.'''
The '''Sunseeker Solar Car''' team at WMU brings multiple engineering majors and business majors together with the goal of building a solar power car. Innovative thinking is held at a premium as the team operates within confines set by the American Solar Challenge. Students learn the principals principles of drive and electrical systems as they design the car, this knowledge is then tested as students fabricate and test their designs. Throughout the year, the team competes in multiple 1200 to 1800 mile solar car races across the US and abroad.
Western Michigan University also added '''Starting Gate''', a business accelerator, to its repertoire in the summer of 2013. The program is very competitive with only a few teams accepted each semester of the many applicants. The extracurricular 100-day program provides workshops, speakers, and resources for participants to help bring their business ideas to fruition, much like an incubator. At the end of the program, students present their work and findings to Kalamazoo business owners and potential stakeholders. In addition, many of these students also participate in the annual '''PITCH Competition '''that is hosted by the Haworth College of Business. As the name suggests, students compete for funding through 3-minute pitches for their business ideas. This competition is one of the most popular entrepreneurial-based extracurricular activities that is offered by the university. The competition also offers prize money for the winning team to use towards their innovative idea.