Integration of entrepreneurship in a first-year engineering course

Abstract

This evidence based practice describes the integration of entrepreneurship into a project-based first-year engineering course to encourage student innovation, and to develop student leadership and self-efficacy. A module featuring a series of lectures on entrepreneurship and business plan development was introduced as part of the curriculum. The module was further enhanced with the introduction of multiple company founders and industrial leaders who were invited to deliver presentations and interact with students regarding operations of engineering corporations and their paths to entrepreneurial success. Students were required to present in teams on a new business idea related to the assigned engineering project of the course. Student learning was also assessed through surveys on the impact and effectiveness of integrating the entrepreneurship component into the first-year engineering class.