NextC.E.O.

    I'm a senior at Temple University and I'm studying within the entrepreneurship major. Although there are some high points of TU's program, I really feel that the only way I'll get the knowledge and experience I need is to have a mentor & obtain internships, and the application of heuristics. Here are the list of classes I'm taking now: Special Topics in Economics, Cost Accounting, Finance III, Marketing Research, Managing Small Businesses, and Management Information Systems (MIS). Yes I know, it's a lot but with a bit of time management skills, it's not that difficult.

   Throughout my career here at Temple, I feel like have taken the same classes over and over again, especially within this major. At this current point, I have taken 3 accounting classes, 3 finance classes, and 3 economics classes. All the material has been the same, with the exception of my last economics class which is really interesting (it uses psychology and neuroeconomics to explain how and why people make decisions). My teachers throughout the last four years have ranged from excellent to horrible. Right now my accounting teacher is the worst. I haven't learned anything and we're finishing out the 3rd week of the semester, so I'll need tutoring...great. What purpose does this curriculum serve for me?

   Most of the great business owners simply had a clear vision and determination. Only a small group of people had a formal college education. Most entrepreneurs have self-studied their industries and interests, networked, had a bit of luck, and the drive to pursue their dreams. Meanwhile here I am, getting a formal education, feeling that I am not a step closer to building any type of business or discovering what it is that I truly want to do. The best thing that Temple has had to offer me is their diverse student body, and the Entrepreneurial Student Association (ESA). Although I have just become a member this year, I can tell that I will learn a lot from this group and I look forward to a host of great experiences. Aside from the parties, friends, and clubs...the learning experience on a scale of 1 - 10 has been a 6. It enrages me because I feel that I pay too much to feel so unsatisfied. Maybe what needs to be created is a college that truly runs on the feedback provided by its students, instead of the politics of knowledge, what others think you should know. Or in the case of entrepreneurship students, maybe our whole business education should come from mentor-ship programs. Actually observing and participating in the day to day functions of a business, with a real business owner to guide you.

What makes me laugh is when people ask me am I going to do graduate school. #HellNo. I'll let life be the next teacher, and then whatever I learn, I'll share that information with the next up and coming set of entrepreneurs.

"I never let my schooling interfere with my education." - Mark Twain.
Maybe I need to take the hint Mark.