The Entrepreneurial Mind Journey of a Civil Engineering student
Pitching an idea initially seemed straightforward to me, but the panelists at our final pitch presentation quickly proved otherwise. Their insightful feedback and business acumen were both challenging and eye-opening, highlighting the gaps in our pitch that we hadn't anticipated. Despite the tough questions and critical analysis, we managed to present our idea for the WeFetch app. While our group successfully navigated many of the questions, there were moments where some of us, including myself, struggled to provide adequate answers. The entire experience underscored the complexity of pitching a business idea and the demanding nature of entering the business world. It became clear that the process requires more than just a good idea—it demands rigorous preparation, in-depth knowledge, and the ability to think on one's feet, which goes beyond the typical experiences of regular students.
Entrepreneurship is the process of starting and running a new business or venture, often characterized by innovation, risk-taking, and proactive problem-solving. Entrepreneurs identify market opportunities, create and implement business plans, and navigate challenges to establish and grow their enterprises. To become an entrepreneur, one should start by identifying a unique idea or market need, conduct thorough research, and develop a solid business plan. Acquiring necessary skills and knowledge through education or experience, securing funding, and building a network of mentors and advisors can also significantly aid in the entrepreneurial journey. These are the things that we learned during the lecture series that happened on May 8, 2024, at the University Convention Center of Central Mindanao University.
Talking about a journey filled with learning and joy really warms my heart, especially the memories made with my group mates, and not just my group but also all the other groups that pitched their ideas with us. The entrepreneurial journey was a roller coaster, from having problems deciding on our final product, to asking strangers about their issues, to formulating an app that addresses the top three problems they encountered. This was especially challenging since we are civil engineering majors, not business majors accustomed to these tasks. We constructed an app that caters to both transportation needs and security concerns. To validate our idea, we conducted surveys with students around the campus to determine their willingness to sign up as users.
The entire experience, from brainstorming to the final pitch, was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones. It was more than an academic exercise; it was a real-world challenge that required us to think critically, adapt quickly, and work cohesively as a team. The lessons learned and the camaraderie built throughout this journey have been invaluable, shaping not only our understanding of entrepreneurship but also our approach to future challenges in our respective fields. Moreover, without the help and guidance of our instructor, Reymark Menguito, our journey would not have been as successful. His support was crucial in navigating the complexities of our project and ensuring that we remained focused and motivated throughout the process.