Micah Toll – Student Entrepreneur:  Based on what you see in the 5:36 video on Micah, how does his background and training as an undergraduate engineering student influence his entrepreneurial activities (i.e. how is an engineering student like Micah a good fit for an independent business-related activity)?

Micah’s background in engineering gives him problem-solving skills, which allow him to continue changing the model and construction for his portable beams. He originally makes a plain rectangular beam, but later comes up with a new style beam that includes a peak and a trough which is sturdier and more reliable. Micah found a problem in the world that needed to be solved and he invented a solution for it, which is the fundamental basis of entrepreneurship. He also uses his knowledge of different materials and building structures in order to create a product people could potentially buy and he could profit from.

Pitt Business Students as Entrepreneurs:  Now – thinking about how this video/topic could apply to you – how will your background and training as an undergraduate business student influence your entrepreneurial activities (i.e. how is a business student a good fit for an independent business-related activity?)

            I think the critical thinking skills I will obtain as a business student would influence my entrepreneurial activities because I would be able to come up with new and logical solutions for problems that need to be solved. Also, if the item or idea I invent does not work properly the first time, I could come up with ways to change it in order to better fix the problem. I would also have the skills to start my own company and organize a business in order to sell my product in an efficient way.

Other Examples Like This?:  So – if you have the opportunity to work with student entrepreneurs like Micah (either as a peer or as their boss/manager one day) – what support would you give them to get them to fully develop their talents/skills?

            As Micah’s boss/manager, I would ensure that he has all the necessary resources to make his vision come to life. I would also make sure he knows that it is okay to fail. New innovations come with an enormous amount of trial and error and it only makes the final product better. Over time, Micah will learn much more about what goes into structural beams and what makes them more reliable while still being lightweight. I would also help Micah figure out how to market his inventions to maximize his sales and spread the word about his products.