Studying Entrepreneurship
DePaul University - Chicago
Written by Anne Hauser for Gaebler Ventures
An entrepreneurship degree in Chicago is easy at DePaul University. Here you can learn what it takes to survive and succeed in the entrepreneurial world.
DePaul University in Chicago has long been recognized as one of the top colleges for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The university offers a wide range of courses that may not be offered at other universities, including classes on new venture management; growth strategies for small businesses; contemporary entrepreneurship; and managing innovation for Masters' students.
Undergraduates take typical business courses, in addition to courses in entrepreneurial strategy; business plan development; entrepreneurial law; and advertising and marketing.
The focus of the school is on a contemporary, integrative approach to management, with faculty research emphasizing career development, women and minority business, creativity, and ethics in entrepreneurship. Many faculty members are published authors as well. Like many universities, DePaul is increasing its interdisciplinary work for young entrepreneurs, and the university is now offering a course on entrepreneurship in the arts.
DePaul sponsors an annual Private Enterprise Network Symposium (PEN), which was created to help entrepreneurs across the Chicago-land area with the process of forming a cohesive business plan and receiving feedback from local business experts and professionals.
The Creative Idea Competitions also offers DePaul students a chance to gain real-world experience forging innovative ideas that will put them ahead of their competition. All ideas for new products or services that can be converted to a new business venture, are eligible to win the competitions.
DePaul alumni are active with the school and staying in contact with one another for advice, business contacts, and other forms of assistance for their fellow entrepreneurs. The DePaul Entrepreneurship Group (DEG) maintains a networking directory for members to provide solid business contacts for DePaul entrepreneurs. For current students, membership in the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) is available. Depaul also sponsors an annual CEO conference with participants from more than 150 college campuses.
All students are encouraged to have at least one internship during their time at DePaul, and the university helps students find business contacts in Chicago. One such program was initiated to provide consulting and technical support for depressed business areas of Chicago.
Anne Hauser is a freelance writer who is currently a double major in Magazine Journalism and English at the University of Missouri.
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