ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Why Vanderbilt?
Most business schools end with the business plan, but the Owen Entrepreneurship program goes beyond the plan to results because our goal is to see you become a successful entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship students who graduated in 2003 and beyond will generate over $75 million in sales this year and have created over 300 jobs. The Entrepreneurship program is extremely flexible—you can create a program that fits you as an individual. And because Vanderbilt is located in Nashville—perennially ranked as one of the USA’s top entrepreneurial metro areas—you will enjoy abundant business and networking opportunities.
Curriculum Focus
Entrepreneurship Emphasis
Hours Required: 8
Choose the four courses that suit your particular interest and compliment your primary concentration.
Faculty
 Germain BöerProfessor of Accounting Director, Owen Entrepreneurship Center |
 Michael BurchamClinical Professor of Entrepreneurship |
 Bruce LynskeyAdjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship |
 David OwensClinical Professor of Business Strategy and Innovation Assistant to the Provost for Strategy Process Innovation |
 James SchorrClinical Professor of Management |
Resume-Building Activities
Owen Entrepreneurship Center
The OEC brings together entrepreneurs, business managers, investors, faculty and Vanderbilt students to share innovative ideas and build productive relationships. Through its many services and activities (i.e., conferences, discussion groups, speakers, and networking programs), the OEC provides a vital resource for the business community while training MBA students for entrepreneurial careers.
Vanderbilt Entrepreneurship Association
The VEA is a student run organization with the primary objective of building a strong community of entrepreneurs at Vanderbilt. The VEA, in conjunction with the Owen Entrepreneurship Center, works to continue the tradition of entrepreneurship at Owen by hosting guest speakers, sponsoring pragmatic workshops, and by supporting the launch of new business ventures.
More Resume-Building Activities
Lunch with Entrepreneurs
Network with and learn from top local entrepreneurs in a friendly, social setting.
Nashville Capital Network
The NCN serves as the hub for early stage capital formation in middle Tennessee.
Summer Enterprise Development Internships
Receive a stipend to work on your own startup venture as your MBA summer internship.
Venture Capital Firm Internships
Learn how these competitive, astute businesses run from the inside out.
Venture Capital Investment Competition
Pit your business plan valuation skills against those of other MBA students.
Meet Students & Alumni
Andrew Bouldin
Vanderbilt MBA 2010
Founder, MyCollegeRoadTrip.com
“(I chose Owen because) to be a major asset to a startup, I wanted to build on the skills I had learned and become more confident in my own entrepreneurial abilities.”
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Paige Brown
Vanderbilt MBA 2010
Summer Associate in the Business Leadership Program, Coca-Cola Enterprises
“To see all of the different cultures here sharing with each other…(is) one of the highlights of my time at Owen.”
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Dave Ficeli
Vanderbilt MBA 1999
CEO, PL360 Beverage Partners
“The Owen brand is a major piece of my brand. I probably wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without Owen.”
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Jeff Gowdy
Vanderbilt MBA 2006
Founder and Lead Consultant, J. Gowdy Consulting
“Owen is still a major part of my life.”
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Joe Resudek
Vanderbilt MBA 2006
Portfolio Company CEO, Modern Holdings
“Owen nurtures entrepreneurial thinking… Owen is small enough that it gives greater meaning to the alumni network. So many people are willing to help you.”
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Skills to Succeed
Willing to take risks
Strong personal/business network prior to business school
Previous experience in entrepreneurship
Comfortable with ambiguity
Interpersonal and communication skills
Gregarious personality
Passion for entrepreneurship
Drive to succeed
General business understanding
Flexibility
