Turning Ideas into Action: Inside NorthStar’s Entrepreneurship Class
By Andrew W.
At most schools, business classes often mean endless textbooks, notes, and maybe even a couple case studies. At NorthStar, the Entrepreneurship class takes a completely different route. Instead of just learning about business, students actually work to build one themselves.
The course doesn’t focus on memorizing definitions and listening to endless lectures. As the teacher, Mrs. Jen Sullivan, puts it, the class focuses on developing an "entrepreneurial mindset” which can be helpful for anything from starting a company to becoming an engineer or even something that doesn’t involve business at all.
“This is a GREAT question!” Sullivan said when asked how she would describe the class to someone unfamiliar with the subject. “NorthStar’s Entrepreneurship class is designed for every student, not just those planning to major in business or start a company someday, because an entrepreneurial mindset benefits any path students choose.”
The course is split up into two main parts throughout the school year. During the first semester, students focus on skills like problem solving, creativity, etc. Instead of being in the constant mindset of fearing failure, students are encouraged to think of mistakes as part of the learning process. “In the first semester, students develop that mindset by learning how to prototype ideas which helps you redefine failure, build grit, practice a growth mindset, and actively look for opportunities,” Sullivan explained.
By the time the second semester rolls around, the class shifts gears from learning to doing. Students take the ideas they’ve been thinking about and developing and use them to launch a real business. That means they have to find customers, test different products or services, and maybe even earn real money. “In the second semester, they put those skills into action by launching a real business, finding real customers, and working to earn real money!” Sullivan said.
For anybody who might be on the edge about taking the class, Sullivan says the experience is designed to be approachable but also practical. “Honestly, this class doesn't have much homework, and the content of the course is really lite compared to core subjects,” she said. “The material that we study really is designed with the intention to help you grow as an individual, not just memorize concepts and write papers.” Instead of long lectures or heavy workloads, students spend the vast majority of their time brainstorming ideas, experimenting with prototypes, and collaborating with fellow classmates.
According to Sullivan, failing the class usually comes down to one simple thing: not participating. “It's nearly impossible to fail this class unless you just don't do the work,” she said. “Plus, getting the chance to launch a business idea of your choosing is so fun! It's hands-on application of the topics we learn in semester one.”
Looking past the potential profits or creative products, the class's main goal is to build problem-solving skills that students will go on to use for the rest of their lives. At its core, NorthStar’s Entrepreneurship class is less about just business, it is about learning how to turn ideas into action, and maybe having a little fun along the way.
Columns: 📓Class Spotlight, 🔎Informational
Andrew W. lives in the state of North Carolina in the United States. He has been a student at NSA for seven years and is working on his eighth. He has three siblings, all older, who have either graduated from NSA or are still currently attending NSA. Alongside writing for Navigator, Andrew is a part of student council, serving as one of the club coordinators. He enjoys hiking, playing ultimate frisbee, hanging out with friends, and writing down random stuff in his many notebooks.