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e d i u G l a v i 7 Surv ) s r o j a M g n i r e e n i g n E n (No FOR
Technology Based Entrepreneurship Written by Maddy Fass Graphic Design
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407 Survival Guide (Non-Engineering Majors) Written by Maddy Fass Graphic Design
FALL 2012
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Contents ............................... Introduction
Who Should Read This Book.............................................2 Author’s Experience..........................................................2
Part 1: The 407 Commandments
Rules To Go By...................................................................3
Part 2: References Engineering Campus, Where am I?...............................4-5 SWOT Analysis, Value Proposition...................................6
Part 3: Projects
Junk Wars- It’s More Than Junk........................................7 Crash and Burn- Let’s Make Some Money........................7 Business Competition- Let’s Get Into the Real World....8-9
Part 4: What to Expect Tips for Career Fair..........................................................10 In the Spotlight...............................................................10 Alternate Excercises........................................................11
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Introduction ............................... Who Should Read This Book Engineering people are smart, and sometimes it is hard to fit in. But for all you business, design, or even science majors who wish to work in the technical field or who have hopes to be entrepreneurs one day, should read this book. You will discover that you can be successful in Engineering 407 even if you aren’t an IE, ME, or whatever E. As long as you have the drive to be a leader and open up your creative mind, you have a shot. If you are worried about taking this class as a non-engineering major, take it from me the Graphic Design major, you are not alone.
Author’s Experience From the day I stepped into ENGR 310, I was drawn into Engineering Entrepreneurship. There is something about combining minds from all different fields that is exciting. Working on projects with people in the complete opposite majors from that of myself is a great way to see how the real word really works. It has forced me to be prepared for the unexpected, made me a stronger leader, and has expanded my creativity to outside of the graphic design box. Problem based projects and assignments have given me an entrepreneurial perspective. I now look at problems in new ways, take risks, and embrace my failures. Get ready for 407... 2
Part 1 ............................... The 407 Commandments A few useful rules to go by in 407...
1st- Use your “creative muscles”
You won’t get through this class without them, or at least developing them
2nd- Failure is Your Friend
Use failure to learn, things usually don’t work out first try, trial and error
3rd- Creativity is Key
You have to be creative to be a successful leader and entrepreneur
4th- You Are Not Alone
This class is all about a group effort, individual projects are rare, but don’t always rely on your group
5th- Be a Leader
Sometimes you will have to take it upon yourself to get things done, don’t wait or you will fall behind, lead the pack 3
Part 2 ............................... References
Engineering Campus, Where am I? Not all of us spend hours on end in these buildings. Us non-engineers spend our time in places like the HUB, the Library, and the Business Building. If you ever have to meet for a 407 group project, this map may come in handy, because trust me, engineering students don’t like to leave their campus territory. I know it is a further walk especially in the rain or snow for us, but give it up you will have meetings in these buildings. Here is the Key for all the buildings you may find yourself entering during your 407 experience.
Key
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Hammond, home to 407 Sackett, Civil, Environmental Leonhard, Industrial, Manufacturing, Nuclear Hallowell, Bio Information Sciences and Technology, Computer Science EE West, Electrical EE East, Electrical Reber, Mechanical, Nuclear Steidle, Material Science 4
............................... Map of West Campus
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Continued ............................... References
SWOT ANALYSIS The SWOT Analysis is an important planning method used to evaluate four key aspects in a project of business venture: STRENGTHS- characteristics of business/team that gives it an advantage over others WEAKNESSES- characteristics that place the team at a disadvantage relative to others OPPUTUNITIES- external chances to improve performance THREATS- external elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the business or project Whether it be in the professional world or in 407, the SWOT Analysis will be useful. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are helpful or harmful to achieve that objective. **USE THIS FOR MOST, IF ALL 407 PROJECTS**
VALUE PROPOSITION Almost all excerises you take on in 407 will need a value proposition. Why is my Crash and Burn product different from other products similar, and why should you buy it? Example: Andare is a portable, easy to use, and efficient way to drink coffee.
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Part 3 ............................... Projects
Junk Wars- It’s More Than Junk
Useful Tips Get good junk- a George Foreman can be useful beyond just paninis The more parts the better Create/design something that is actually useful, has a purpose, something that actually works/functions! Good Example: Towel Warmer Junk used: George Foreman grill pannels, recycled wood, PVC piping, netting
Crash and Burn- Let’s Make Some Money
Timing is Key Pick an idea fast, there is no time to delay, order product right away While product is on its way, plan sales strategies Set realistic deadlines for your group & keep thinking of ideas to continue to make $$$ Use campus events to your advantage, ex: football games, concerts Examples: sunglasses, haircuts, and hosting a dinner
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Business Competition- Let’s Get Into the Real World The Real Deal
This project is worth a lot of points, so it is one you need to spend a lot of time and effort on. Remember, just because you have a “good” idea, doesn’t mean that you will win. Execution is a huge part of being successful in this competition. Here are the main qualities that the Business Competition Project should strive to complete: -Identify a serious problem in an industry or market -Have a very creative idea -Develop a strong value proposition -Design an interesting business model to solve problem -Create a successful marketing strategy -Contact real companies, manufacturers, etc. for research and feedback -Figure out appropriate and accurate financials -Well written and comprehensive business plan, include SWOT analysis -Presentation needs to be spot on, and group needs to respond to judges questions well, dress to impress 8
............................... The Real Deal Continued
Warning: This project is difficult for non-engineering majors, compared to some of the other previous 407 projects. It combines all aspects of Entrepreneurship, from business related topics such as financials to actually building a prototype. This class is technology based, but you do not have to be an engineer to be successful. This project requires the will to work, a few creative minds, and the pursuit of being the best. I struggled with understanding the technicalities with my group’s product, which made our group meetings some what difficult and sometimes argumentative. This allowed the non technical members in my group, such as myself, to ultimately learn about the technical issues. But don’t let this keep you away. This project allows you to show and improve upon your leadership skills, and combine your specialties with the specialties of others. Also, the business plan requires a competitive analysis, marketing strategy, financials, and more. There are a variety of tasks present in this project, so there should be at least one where most, if not all group members could take on and be successful at.
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Part 4 ............................... What to Expect
Tips for the Career Fair It’s never too early to start going to the career fair. Going when you are a sophomore or even a freshman, you will gain experience talking to career representatives. I have to admit, it is a big scary place with a lot of companies and a lot of commotion. The more practice you get, the more confident you can learn to be so by the time you are heading off to the career fair at a time when it really matters and you are looking for an actual job, you will feel more ready. Dress appropriately and have a resume ready to hand in to the representatives you talk to. Keep your resumes in a presentable holding place. Map out each table you want to go to before you start wandering around. It is crowded in the Bryce Jordan Center, so it is good to have a plan to where you want to go first, second, and so on.
In the Spotlight This class is full of surprises. Whether it is the first day, in between projects, or even during projects, expect the unexpected. 407 likes to keep things interesting. This class will make you a stronger public speaker. No you don’t have to give speeches, but there are definitely times where you will be randomly get called on to do a wide range of things. You can gain a lot out of speaking on the spot. Don’t let it scare you, think of it as a self challenge. 10
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Alternate Exercises Lastly expect some other exercises here and there. It could be something creative that you have to present, a question of ethics and personal values, reading interesting articles, or watching movie clips related to 407. It is the real life examples that make this class intriguing. No class time is wasted and each day is valuable. You really do learn something new every day, or at least every Tuesday and Thursday.
Riveting Talks by Remarkale People, Free to the World
IDEO, Design and Innovation Consulting Firm 11
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