Today’s visit to Ernst & Young was surprising in the best way. I was in awe of the incredible sense of family the entire company feels. The strength of their company culture is just as solid as their reputation in the business world.

I also found the breadth of their services fascinating. Knowing little to nothing about a tax firm’s role in industry prior to today, I was astounded by all the services they offer across the world. They have truly made an incredible global impact.

“Sustained – and sustainable – economic growth is only possible with a truly entrepreneurial culture. Over the past three decades, we have worked with entrepreneurs and placed a particular emphasis on supporting fast-growth companies.”

Empathy was third on my list of personal strengths from the StrengthsFinder activity and I can most certainly empathize with entrepreneurs. Even in the most successful entrepreneurial cultures, it is vital that all members of the firm share the same set of values. A shared belief system seems to be the only path to corporate gain. This was particularly evident during today’s visit; everyone who visited with us stressed the importance of growing together at E&Y. That being said, everyone must do their own part to contribute to the growth that makes an entrepreneurial culture possible.

I can most definitely pull my experiences within this course to think more entrepreneurially. The breadth of information the companies, lecturers, and class content have to offer in combination will my own appetite to learn will take me far in establishing a mindset that helps me grow with whatever company I will eventually work with. So far my experiences have been nothing but positive and the early establishment of this mindset will most definitely help me build a solid foundation for my business education to rest upon.

I’m excited to see where the rest of this week takes me!