Final Reflection

After reading through my blog from this semester, I’ve definitely had fun moments and dreadful moments. I’ve had a lot of fun in this class and putting together my venture. However, there were extremely challenging moments and assignments, and I really believe it’s because of the nature of my venture concept. As you’re all aware, I decided to do a new mall for Gainesville. I figured out very quickly that I bit off far more than I could chew.

The most formative experience for me was the “Tweaking the Innovation” assignment. I remember I had to reach out to Professor Pryor for assistance and guidance on this assignment because I had no idea what to do. I had to actually come up with revenue streams for a mall, and aside from tenants paying me rent, I really had to think outside of the box for revenue ideas. Once I put it all together, it not only became my most formative experience, it also because my most enjoyable. I was extremely satisfied with the way the assignment turned out, and I thank Professor Pryor for boosting my confidence with his guidance. My most proud moment of the semester was every single time I interviewed someone for an assignment. I don’t necessarily have the confidence to go up to people to ask them random questions for a class, but I was able to muster enough up to do it. It was an extremely fulfilling experience.

I definitely see myself as an entrepreneur now, or at least having that mindset. As mentioned before, I really had to think outside of the box for this venture concept, and I often found myself solving real-world issues that an entrepreneur would have to face outside of this classroom. I believe that the exercises and independence that this class granted us have moved me closer to developing that mindset that entrepreneurs need. This class requires critical thinking and discipline – much like an entrepreneur would require to face the challenges in any and all projects that they undertake.

To the students going down this path in the future, I strongly recommend that they remain focused, and don’t worry about your evolving business concept. When I first sat down to brainstorm some venture-concept ideas, I really struggled to come up with something, and I often found myself settling on something only to change my mind. I now see that those inner battles as a good thing. It’s alright to change your mind – just settle on something that you know will make you money and make you happy. For this course, I would recommend students embrace their challenges as entrepreneurs. Push yourself to limits, and don’t just pick an easy venture concept just to get yourself through the class and get college credit. To foster that mindset, actually see yourself as an entrepreneur, not just as a student.