Thomas Zurbuchen: Community-Sourced Projects

This sounds to be a very exciting concept and as a university student I appreciate the idea of allowing the application of skills while still in the classroom. I found the analogy of Thomas Zurbuchen the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship students as race cars stuck in first gear, quite accurate. For I feel why not use the passion that students have and apply it now instead of expecting them to do so right out of school when the realization of bills and student loans really begin to set in and they cease to see the potential of their talent and fall into a routine that may not foster creativity. The business concept itself is wonderful, by recruiting companies that have problems that combine technology and business with a strong potential for commercialization giving opportunity for the company and the students. I especially am intrigued by the idea that is currently being implemented in Africa of the satellite-based internet cafes. The combination of using the student’s aerospace knowledge and combining it to solve a social economic problem is excellent and really will instil concepts that will assist them throughout their careers. I feel that Google was an ideal candidate for this concept as Africa is rather ignored (other than South Africa) and as improvements are made in the quality of living in different countries in Africa a new and large market place is opening up. I was wondering if the pilot cafes do well that this could offer a great chance for franchising for Google, tracking down entrepreneurs in Africa to run the cafes. With success Google could increase sales and profits and open up new jobs in Africa. Also it would be wonderful if some schools partnered in and offered programs that would allow more people to get college degrees, with such access to internet it could really allow for a boom in Africa creating more jobs in the different countries. Google will probably remain without much competition and they will really be able to corner the market there if the business prototypes prove successful. Though I am sure it will be a long road ahead introducing the internet into areas that it may be alien to, much like it was for Subway introducing sandwiches into Japan where no one really wanted or new what to do with a sandwich. But the potential of a great return on investment is very likely not to mention the wonderful social benefits that the different countries will gain from having access to the internet.

Hello, my name is Jessica and I am a senior at Eastern Michigan University. I agree with you in the fact that many students leave school not knowing how and what to do with the skills they have acquired. My major is not engineering but I also agree that it is engineers and scientists that need to put their skills to the test by trying to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. You beam inspiration when you spoke on that topic and it was very refreshing to see. Business solutions need to have an exceptional value to the customer. A product or service can fail just because the customers don’t value the product or service and it needs to benefit them in an extreme way. In my opinion I think that it is these kinds of values that you teach to your students. Go beyond what is expected and go further than first gear and push to second. Your aerospace program sounds fascinating and I really enjoyed hearing you talk about it. Thank you.

The purpose or aim behind the creation of the Center of Entrepreneurship is indeed commendable. It gives students an excellent environment to learn and make history. I am a senior at Eastern Michigan University and from time to time one of our instructor’s will ask us why students lack motivation to take an extra step. I think Thomas Zurbuchen was trying to motivate his students to go beyond the requirement and make a difference. Center of Entrepreneurship gives students a chance to test out reality. I think it prepares us better to handle problems in the real world. I think every college course should incorporate some realistic element to enhance the learning experience and to challenge students. When student get to make a difference in real life they feel empowered to achieve higher. I also think people work harder when they know others can be affected by their decisions. The launch of internet cafes in Africa taught students social responsibility and improved their analytical skills. That is the beauty of realistic situations; students actually get to experience the cause and effect of their decision. This is very important component of enterpreneuship. People are afraid to take risk now-a-days but such programs boost confidence and teach students to trust their inner instinct. The Center of Entrepreneurship teaches students to think like a true entrepreneur. Before launching programs the students are advised to consider the economic feasibility of the product or service. It is highly important for entrepreneurs to understand their target market and then develop a product/service based on the growth curve. If a product/service does not potential all effort is lost.