Met with Ken Dodson today from graphics. He confirmed an interesting trend among our students — those students pursuing an art or technical degree OFTEN want to start their own business and are interested in some quick and dirty business skills. I think this is an area where our business department could collaborate. Graphics, computer science, art, fashion, photography — each of these disciplines offers an artsy or technical skill that often results in the student becoming an entrepreneur. “Marketing” ourselves to these departments is smart – but finding ways to collaborate is even smarter. Just my thought for the day!
I think Californians as a whole are more entrepreneurial. That spirit is what led to the Silicon Valley .com boom. At my previoous employer, I had the opportunity to work with young people from all over the country. One of the prime recruiting universities was Stanford. I recall those students having a more entrepreneurial mindset. There seemed to be a more mainstream approach as a college. In this economy, as business changes and technologies continue to develop, having an entrepreneurial mindset is more important than ever. Many young people, not just in art or technical fields, come out of college and fall into the role of being a consultant on a multitude of smaller projects as opposed to accepting a position at a company where they don’t perceive any security. In many ways, it’s becoming more of a necessity as opposed to a choice.
AGREED! This economy is DRIVING entrepreneurship. The more we can foster it at Palomar College, the better. I appreciate your comments, Cheryl!