Message From the Close Dean

At the Close School of Entrepreneurship, we believe that all students have the potential to be innovative; to take their ideas, in whatever context and make them a reality.

Entrepreneurship is much more than the process of starting a company. Entrepreneurship is a habit of mind and an attitude; a skill set applicable to pursuing innovation in business, personal and career contexts, and an approach to life built around innovative thinking, calculated daring and proactive behavior. Our goal is to infuse entrepreneurial thinking and doing in our courses and related programs.

Why is learning about entrepreneurship important to your career? There are several significant reasons. First, entrepreneurial skills will protect you in a weak job market by giving you the tools to create your own jobs. Second, learning about entrepreneurship broadens your perspective about ways to pursue your career entrepreneurially, rather than on traditional pathways in particular fields. Third, today, more than ever, companies seek employees with some type of entrepreneurial experience. Leading companies of all sizes understand that they must innovate to survive and prosper. Students who have developed an entrepreneurial mindset have strong communication skills, recognize how to take initiative and know how to execute. By hiring entrepreneurial individuals, these companies are bringing innovative perspectives into the workplace.

Our courses and programs are designed to be experiential and interdisciplinary. We offer a competitive, fully funded Entrepreneurship Co-op and courses that provide small amounts of seed funding for new student businesses. Through our Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship, an array of programs and business competitions enhance your entrepreneurial experience.

The Close School is founded on the principle that every student should have the opportunity to dream big and pursue their passions. Join us at the Close School, where we encourage, educate and enable innovation and entrepreneurship. Please explore our website and feel free to contact me to discuss your journey to entrepreneurship.

– Donna de Carolis, PhD
Founding Dean, Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship