Why should I study innovation and entrepreneurship?

This emphasis is designed for students who want to launch their own business or be involved in growing an existing business. It also provides critical skills in the areas of innovation, creativity, customer development, strategy, and project management that can support your career regardless of the area of business in which you work.

What can I do with this degree?

While this emphasis can stand alone if you want to start a business immediately, you can also pair it with another emphasis. For example, you'll develop skills helpful for financial planners, as well as for human resources specialists at small- to medium-sized companies and human resources consultants with a variety of companies. Marketing students will benefit from the innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and customer development skills developed in the program.

With this degree, you'll also be able to:

• Start a business or improve an existing one
• Work in corporations to start new departments or launch new products
• Innovate and strengthen a family business
• Apply experimentation and creativity in a business setting
• Be a key player in a small business or non-profit

What skills will I develop?

• Lean startup methodology
• Project management
• New product development
• Organizational strategy
• Data and financial analysis
• Self-management, versatility and flexibility
• Social entrepreneurship
• Vision casting/imagination/visualization
• Critical and creative thinking
• Leading organizational change

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

• Practice business skills: work in a team to come up with an idea, create a product, find a supplier, price the product, sell it physically and online, and track the financials
• Pitch ideas to a panel of local entrepreneurs, shark-tank style, for feedback to gain valuable experience in the start-up process
• Wide exposure to business fields, concepts, and skills
• An internship to connect classroom learning to practical experience
• A group of students often attend Startup Weekend Twin Cities, an intense weekend event designed to connect you with innovative ideas and entrepreneurs from the region
• Networking opportunities with local entrepreneurs and Bethel alumni

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