BRINGING AN ACADEMIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP MINDSET TO STUDENTS: EXPLORING HOW IT CAN STRENGTHEN THE SUCCESS OF ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS

Kimberly K. Powell
Melanie Powell Rey
Southern University and A&M College

ABSTRACT

There has been ongoing debate that many relevant learning experiences that students
have outside of the classroom (e.g., internships, professional development, and business case
competitions) often do not contribute to the credits included in the price of a student degree.
Hence, a misalignment of the skills of college graduates and industry needs exist. Greater
disconnect can exist for students who aspire to be entrepreneurs or corporate entrepreneurs. So,
what should business schools do? They have options because the knowledge and skills of a
successful entrepreneur can be taught. One option that business schools and other academic units
should consider is the integration of an academic entrepreneurship model. Academic
entrepreneurship cannot only strengthen the success of aspiring entrepreneurs, but it can also
optimize the success of corporate entrepreneurs while maximizing students’ academic experiences.
This study explores academic entrepreneurship from both a theoretical and practical perspective.

Keywords: Academic entrepreneurship, students, success, aspiring entrepreneurs