Students receive entrepreneurial tips during School of Business Speaker Series

Students receive entrepreneurial tips during School of Business Speaker Series

Aspiring business professionals at Alcorn State University received tools that would propel them to succeed in their careers.

Alcorn’s School of Business hosted the 2018 Speaker Series Tuesday, Oct. 23 in the Biotechnology Building auditorium. Students gathered to learn tips on becoming entrepreneurs and understanding what to expect from the corporate world. 

Theresa Kennedy, a senior advisor with Fifty-Five/Twenty, LLC and Alcorn alumna, shared advice that up and coming business professionals need before starting a company. 

“It is so important to start your business with a solid foundation,” said Kennedy. “Reach out to vice presidents who work in an industry that you’re interested in and ask them what it took for them to get where they are. Also, you must identify your audience; this would allow you to know who to focus on and how to spend your money.” 

Joy Powell, area people director with Waffle House spoke about the opportunities that come with being a Waffle House manager.

“There is no better experience than being a unit manager at Waffle House because, in this position, you operate your own business,” said Bibb. “This position gives you free reign, which means you are in charge of hiring, firing, inventory, human resources and much more. Also, your district, division and area managers will be available to help and give you advice.”

Tasha Bibb, entrepreneurial development director with Innovate Mississippi spoke about careers in technological business development and encouraged the audience to look into the field. 

“Small innovation-based businesses and technology startups have a more intense impact on the economy,” said Bibb. “The easiest way to find an innovative idea is to figure out what problem you would like to solve."