For many students, the chance to speak with globally successful entrepreneurs is rare, especially when these businessmen and women were once in their shoes.
Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week, or BREW, “is a weeklong series of events designed to celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation in the Baton Rouge area. Entrepreneurs in the region and state are encouraged to come together to work, learn, play, teach and show off,” according to the event’s website.
This year, BREW is bringing in a series of successful former alumni who all belong to an organization called the LSU 100.
“The LSU 100 showcases the entrepreneurial success of former LSU students representing various fields and professions, including technology, oil and gas, insurance, healthcare, design, construction, manufacturing and public relations,” according to the organization’s website. “By engaging the honorees with the LSU community, students and alumni network with and learn from one another to create a legacy of entrepreneurship at LSU.”
These rising stars have achieved “global success, but they walked the same hallways and sat in the same desks that these students have,” said Jarett Rodriguez, associate director for the LSU Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute.
The week kicks off at 5:30 p.m. today at the E.J. Ourso College of Business’ Business Education Complex. The event will include a conversation with the LSU 100 in an open, Q&A-style forum. Current students can actively participate in discussion with the speakers as well as network professionally with other participants.
“This is a good opportunity — a good way to learn,” said business junior Meredith Murphy. “You see what LSU students have done, and [it] helps you find out what you want to do.”
In addition to the event Monday, another notable entrepreneur will appear from 3 to 4 p.m. on Thursday. Jason Lucash, former participant on the television program “Shark Tank” and founder of OrigAudio, will answer a variety of students’ questions concerning the entrepreneurial scene.
“These won’t be boring presentations,” Rodriguez said. “We want engaging people for the students.”
Former committee member for BREW Manuel Valencia, stressed the importance of the event for students.
“I feel it is important for undergrad business and MBA students to participate in events like this because of the opportunities for networking and personal development,” Valencia said.
Although the event involves professionals and entrepreneurs, students of all majors are welcome. However, business casual attire is suggested when attending the networking events.
“Entrepreneurs are the reason that the economy thrives,” Rodriguez said. “Students are improving the economy one paycheck at a time.”
