Did you
know that, according to the Kauffman Foundation, two thirds, or more than 2,000
U.S. universities and colleges offer at least one course in entrepreneurship? Fortunately
you attend UMBC – a bold institution that not only offers entrepreneurship
courses and a very popular, fast-moving minor in the field, but is also home to
the Alex.
Brown Center for Entrepreneurship.
Markus Proctor, pictured here (news.umbc.edu) designed an Interdisciplinary
Studies (INDS) major which focused on Tech Entrepreneurship and
Organizational Management. The creator of a web-based platform that helps
students keep organized, on task, and up to date with changes in their course
syllabi, launched a company called EduPal which pivited into new directions including virtual reality
and analytics. An Extra Credit staff writer sat down with Markus to
talk about entrepreneurship, his experience at UMBC and some recommendations
for current students.
EC: How can UMBC students approach their
education (course decisions, internship choices, major choices) in an
entrepreneurial fashion?
MP: Entrepreneurship can extend beyond its economic/business definition into
many different areas of our lives because, in simple terms, it's all about
value creation through innovative problem-solving. Students should focus on the
"value-add" of their choices as often as possible whether its
selecting courses, applying for internships, or declaring a major/minor. Before
making rushed decisions, students should ask "how does this create
value for me?" and "how can I confirm my assumptions?". This is
where leveraging resources on campus to make an informed, decisive decision is
critical.
EC: What do you feel has been your greatest
success at UMBC and what resources from UMBC contributed to
that success?
MP: My greatest success at UMBC is building a reputable start-up in the
Baltimore region that has allowed me to meet exceptional people, receive
awards, and fully enjoy the process of learning. There are many resources that
have contributed to that success:
*The opportunity to design my own degree with the Interdisciplinary Studies Department
*The study abroad program which allowed me the opportunity to conduct preliminary, exploratory research in Switzerland
*The Alex Brown Center for Entrepreneurship
*Outstanding administrators and professors supporting me along the way
EC: What experience, course, relationship, or resource at UMBC do you
consider to be the greatest "difference-maker" as a student and
entrepreneur at UMBC?
MP: The Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition was the one experience that made the biggest
difference in my journey as an "edupreneur" and student; I highly
recommend that students participate in this event.
EC: If you could go back and "redo" your first three years
at UMBC, what would you do differently and why?
MP: I would network with more students on campus because we have an
abundance of talent on campus. Who knows what can happen if more students
integrated their talents to solve big problems?
If you are inspired by Markus’s story and
experience, be sure to explore the many events, activities, and tools that the
Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship (Public Policy, Room 115) offers.
KEY LINKS:
The Minor in Entrepreneurship at UMBC
The Shattuck Family Internship Program for
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Change
BONUS LINKS:
Markus Proctor, founder of EduPal, is ready for career as
an entrepreneur Class of
Spring 2016 Graduate Profile
"Five
TED Talks Every Entrepreneur Should Watch" by Jayson Demers on entrepreneur.com