Why Entrepreneurship for College Students? | Staff-Student Study Circle | A Report ❤️

Staff-Student Study Circle | 9th April 2025

Session Summary | Think Tank

By Ms. Shannon Patricia

Topic for Dialogue: Why Entrepreneurship for College Students?

The session began with a courteous introduction by Dr. Aarthi Ram on the idea of entrepreneurship. She also highlighted the quintessential facility in the MCC-MRF Innovation Park that serves to be an entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus which in turn happens to be a one-of-a-kind facility in an Arts and Science college in India.

Later she highlighted the significance of empathy in the business scenario where she also mentioned the two-fold possibilities behind a new venture. Lastly the floor was open to discussion as she managed to encourage the students to put forward their perspectives on the idea of entrepreneurship.

Further Dr. Samuel Rufus highlighted the budding atmosphere in MCC that seeks to nurture the entrepreneurial talents in students. He provided a relevant example in the case of Hare Krishna Diamond exports. Thereby delineating the significance of experiencing rejection and the value of employment which further narrows down to the ground practical experience of entrepreneurship. 

The significance of marketing one’s skills was also highlighted as he presented the contrasting perspectives on part-time jobs in the west and the east. The session thus witnessed various perspectives on the Academia Industry Interface.

Mr. Alan Eben was swift to share his experience on the entrepreneurial atmosphere in MCC. He spoke about the vital role that was played by the MMIP in fostering his interpersonal and language skills. It is all about making “the right mistakes” he said. He also added that “knowing yourself and how to present yourself” proves to be vital in the business scenario. He also told us that he has managed to learn the importance of patience and empathy during his work. Thereby he highlighted the significance the experience has added to his profile.

Dr. Vijay Solomon presented the statistical data with regard to the number of students who possess the entrepreneurial intent in them which reveals to be just one percent of the students who graduate every year.

A candid shot by Sabari, on the last day of Think Tank #memories

While Dr. Amirthavalli presented the illusive nature of data in the entrepreneurial scenario, Dr. Aarthi highlighted the vital skill of handling oneself which serves to be pivotal in the entrepreneurial landscape. The latter also emphasised on the significance of problem solving skills and that the trigger must be inflicted in the students.

Professor Samuel Moses reminded us about crucial role that education plays in every avenue of life. He said that a researcher can also be an entrepreneur. An individual’s skillset lies in the realisation of the very same.

Ms. Nivetha suggested the possibility of incorporating the entrepreneurial models in the form of value added courses like General education and the General course. Thereby providing the students with an opportunity to learn about the dynamics of entrepreneurship.

Dr. Vijay Solomon emphasised the growing need to adopt to the current trends in the academia and the vital skill that is involved in selling oneself. He also addressed the critical role of acknowledging the need in solving the problem. This was also acknowledged and accepted by  Dr.Amirthavalli while she also presented the nuances in micro entrepreneurship. Dr. Samuel Rufus highlighted the importance of monetising one’s skill which is encouraged by the management through the facility as in MMIP.

Professor Jesnet presented the significance educating the students on the concept of entrepreneurship. Thereby he put forth the need to introduce a curriculum on the same which can further aid in honing one’s skills.

Dr. Aarthi also delineated the stark contrast in the western scenario through the example of a crochet art where it is marketed as a pattern oriented skill with a therapeutic value. “Be empathised with the problem and be compelled to solve it” she said.

Dr. Jojan Job presented a possible solution to the lack of binding resources on campus and also laid out the possibility of establishing a babysitting facility which could be run by the students.

Mr. Sabarinathan presented the students’ inclination towards placement which fosters a job- oriented mindset in them. He also addressed the role of risk management and assessment in the entrepreneurial scenario.

Dr. Aarthi was swift to emphasise the significance of problem solving which is an essential skill in securing jobs at present. Moreover she also emphasised that it is hard to combat the world without an entrepreneurial mindset which should in turn be combined with a calculated risk.

Dr. Amirthavalli also sided with the former when she emphasised the need to nurture the mindset in the students. She opined that the shame that is often associated with rejection should be overcome and added that the notion of risk-taking often accompanies entrepreneurial efforts.

Mr. San Jo highlighted the need to equip the students to nurture the right kind of risk taking thereby cultivating an intrapreneurial mindset in them. He also added that the lack of this approach leads to the students opting for the module which is devoid of risk factors.

Mr. Sabarinathan presented the concept of ethical risk taking where the students are to be equipped to handle the adversities in their entrepreneurial endeavours. He also added that a module which introduces the students to the investor’s expectations would be crucial.

Dr. Amirthavalli and Dr. Vijay Solomon shared their experiences on entrepreneurial opportunities for a chemist in their field of study.

Mr. Kaviyarasu opined that most of the students lack the knowledge of a defined structure to build their idea despite being heavily skilled.

Dr. Aarthi pitched in to enlighten the students on calculated risks and she also managed to encourage the students to make use of the opportunities that they are provided with. Mr. San Jo pointed out the need for a dynamic system that can equip the students who are otherwise ignorant of the market dynamics.

Once again Dr. Samuel Rufus highlighted the academia-industry interface as he highlighted the consultation of industry professionals in framing the syllabus. He also added that mostly they fall short from contributing effectively in framing the syllabus.

Ms. Lindsay proposed a framework where like-minded individuals can come together to monetise their skills. She also added that college is the place to take risks and to explore where a push in the right direction can prove helpful. She also provided the personal example of gift cards on which Dr. Aarthi opined that the demand rises when “the product isn’t available anymore”. Mr. Sabarinathan sided with this view when he said that a group of individuals can come together to solve a unique problem.

Dr. Aarthi gave us the example of an entrepreneurial approach in one of the ventures where people sell their creativity by investing it in the right thing. The idea of emotional branding was put forth by Dr. Samuel Rufus where every story is inevitably unique.

Ms. Zibiah highlighted the lack of connection which often leads to rejection. Thereby presenting the factors which affect the effective propagation of ideas.

Dr. Aarthi enlightened us with the concept of a chain where everything needs to be observed from a perspective of sustainability. Mr. Kaviyarasu opined on the need to understand the stakeholders and ensuring their satisfaction. Once again Mr. Alan pressed on the significance of lighting the spark that can possibly be nurtured in the MMIP.

Mr. Sabarinathan provided an alternative viewpoint when he suggested a display of the products which are made by the students to which Dr. Aarthi replied that it has fruitfully found itself a section in the MMIP. She also proposed the idea of personalised mementos which will add an extra layer of significance to the ceremonies.

Dr. Samuel Rufus delivered the importance of identifying the problems which serves to be the key factor in incorporating functional ideas which are to be monetised. This was followed by Dr. David Wesley’s comment on the significance of reconciling the service minded approach with the monetary value of ideas. He also added that the significance of theatre in teaching and learning is noteworthy.

Thereby, enlightening us with his views on ‘Theatre as an entrepreneurial venture’. He also opined that the goal is to produce a well-oiled machine which can sustain itself in the future.

Finally Dr. Samuel Rufus presented the concluding remarks where he noted that “any idea can be monetised if one is ready to take risks”.

He also urged us to realise the value of time from an investor’s point of view. This rewarding discussion was followed by the presentation for the Founders’ Day Quiz which was conducted by Mr. Ben Francis Abi on 2nd April 2025. The session then concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Shannon Patricia.

As we draw the curtain for this semester, we are truly honoured to have hosted such a rich bevy of scholars.

Firstly, I would like to thank our Principal for providing us with such a rewarding space. Secondly, i take this opportunity to thank the faculty members who have devoted their precious time to grace this occasion with their passion and expertise. Thirdly, I would like to thank Rufus Sir for ensuring the seamless progression of events throughout this semester. Finally, I would also like to thank everybody for their presence and participation.

Ms. Shannon Patricia