Students looking to head out into the brave new world by going into business for themselves can find a foundation for success at MATC. By receiving an Entrepreneurship technical diploma or certificate, individuals will be prepared to own and operate their very own enterprises.
“Our students are entrepreneurial,” said Armen Hadjinian, lead instructor, “and this program provides formal instruction and direction. Our students will eventually take over factories and offices, and this program gives them the perspective of ownership.”
One of those students is Michael Bean. Bean enrolled in an introductory course in August 2012 and was energized and encouraged by it enough to further pursue his goals of entrepreneurship.
“Through what was originally just to be an introductory course,” Bean said, “I have now found myself positioned with the opportunity to launch business operations now. This program has given me the edge to put it into motion now rather than later.”
Hadjinian gets students ready by establishing a certain mindset that may be new to them like, “being ‘intra-preneurial,’” Hadjinian explained, “which means being able to think and work like an entrepreneur by noticing trends and conserving resources.”
Another key concept is what Hadjinian calls “job judo.” Like the martial art that focuses on positioning and balance, job judo is about learning to leverage skills to find a career.
Bean places the education he receives from Hadjinian in very high esteem.
“Armen Hadjinian is the instructor I have for the entrepreneur coursework,” Bean said, “and it is clear that his passion to see entrepreneurs succeed is genuine. Mr. Hadjinian is a large contributor for keeping it clear for me what the next steps are needed to launch operations. Much of this, for me, has been centered upon the idea of preparing myself so that I am ready for the opportunities as they present themselves.”
Hadjinian also prepares students for what can be a tough life out in the open market when feast-or-famine conditions can spring up all too often.
“We teach students accountability and responsibility,” Hadjinian shared. “Entrepreneurs only get paid when they sell something; there is no paycheck in their bank account on Friday.”
According to Hadjinian, prospective Entrepreneurship students should come equipped with four things if they’re looking to enter the program: a desire to succeed, a willingness to see things from another perspective, a service or product idea perhaps, and a comfort with the concept of change.
Getting to work directly with other self-motivated students is another aspect of the program that Bean has found especially valuable, even if they’re not in same classroom together. The program utilizes videotelephony technology that broadcasts students from all four MATC campuses simultaneously. Bean gets exactly what he needs from this face time.
“A good example to this would be my proof of concept that I brought to the second week of class,” Bean said. “I showcased my proof of concept to an entire group and received immediate feedback. Instantaneous feedback from many entrepreneur-minded individuals at once with distinct outlooks is priceless in my book. I had a strong desire to see what other entrepreneurs thought of my idea before further investing effort into its development. Learning alongside others helps keep it real. Entrepreneurs seem to have the gift of seeing what others overlook.”
The current captains of industry would be wise not to overlook the merits of students who complete the Entrepreneurship program because of the traits and virtues it instills in students who are now fully prepared to be professionals.
“Companies need to be more competitive. If their employees can work with limited resources on short timelines and spot opportunities in the marketplace, this is what they learn in the Entrepreneurship program.”