2024-2025 Purdue University Career Planning Handbook

Considering Entrepreneurship

Considering Entrepreneurship Many college students and graduates identified as part of Generation Z choose to pursue entrepreneurship rather than planning for a long career in the corporate , government, or the not- for profit sectors. According to data from WP Engine and the Center for Generational Kinetics , approximately 62% of this demographic indicates they have started, or intend to start, their own business . The growth of the number of independent workers profiled on LinkedIn (40% since 2011) further confirms this trend towards students and graduates seeking to launch a business or work as freelancers, independent contractors, direct sellers, and/or gig employees. Those interested in entrepreneurial pursuits indicate that they are motivated by the overarching objective of making a meaningful difference in the world while making a good living. To accomplish this goal, many students believe that entrepreneurship will allow flexibility to have greater control of their schedule and better work - life balance. The pandemic experience gave many people a taste of what work flexibility can be and the benefit of setting one’s own work schedule. A Starting Point There are many careers with clearly defined paths, whether they be represented by a specific, vocationally focused academic major, or a professional position requiring a certification. With entrepreneurship, the path is much less defined. What is required is intentional self - assessment. What are your interests? How do those interests intersect with your personal and work values? Is there a high tolerance for risk? What goals are sought to be accomplished? Purdue University Resources The Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) offers one -on- one appointments with professional career services consultants to work through the self - learning process and progress towards decision- making on the entrepreneurial pursuit. The Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program is available to undergraduate students in all majors who want to transform their ideas into new ventures, generate value in established organizations, or have a positive impact on society. Similar to an academic minor, this program provides opportunities to complete a series of five courses or entrepreneurship -related experiences. Students get hands - on experience with creativity, ideation, feasibility analysis, market research, business models, financial analysis, investor pitches, teamwork, and leadership. There is also significant value in gaining hands - on experience as an independent contractor. Two companies who recruit and hire independent contractors are Southwestern Advantage and Vector Marketing. These companies have been vetted by Purdue and offer direct selling opportunities to students while providing significant sales and leadership training and support. The Interns for Indiana (IFI) initiative, hosted through the Office of Professional Practice, connects students to Indiana startup and early stage companies in order to promote economic development, enhance student success, and provide summer internships. Students work for a minimum of 10 weeks on a full -time basis and register for the ENTR 39699 Interns for Indiana Experience.

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