By: Michael McCarrick, Lion’s Eye Writer, mqm5415@psu.edu (updated by the Lion’s Eye Web Staff)
When watching the hit ABC competition show Shark Tank there are intriguing qualities to it.
On one hand it’s fascinating to watch entrepreneurs create and sell an interesting idea and product to the wealthy “sharks” considering investing in it. And on the other it is entertaining to watch someone present a poor idea and watch them get ripped to shreds by the business owners. The show also presents the tough but rewarding enterprise of entrepreneurship, when an independent businessperson has an idea and product they believe will make living more convenient while enabling them to make money. Here on campus there is an opportunity to prepare for this experience with the Entrepreneurship Club.
In club meetings, students majoring in business, IST and engineering have brainstormed ideas for products that serve as solutions for everyday problems. They took inspiration from kickstarter campaigns for new products, such as a device used to cut the lid off soda cans and a pad attached to the top of toilet paper where an IPhone can be placed in the stall of the bathroom.
They may seem odd initially, but in a changing society there are certain situations that need to be addressed and people can make money from them. Students themselves thought of ideas that could be used on campus, including an umbrella rental system.
“The club’s purpose is to facilitate learning and developing entrepreneurship skills with like-minded individuals to give them a share of real world experience,” club President and student Evan Schwartz said. “Students should join the club to see what it’s like to run a small business and be able to work for themselves.”
By the end of the semester, members of the club will attempt to pitch business ideas to school leaders in a similar style to Shark Tank. With all the planned preparation and meetings, students have ample time to thoroughly process and present business ideas to the sharks at Brandywine.
Meetings are held Tuesdays and Wednesdays at common hour, in 209 Tomezsko. Whoever has ideas or aspirations to succeed in business should explore the experience of the entrepreneurship club.