ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN CHILETESTIMONIALS

REBEKAH STORKE '19One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was getting to interact directlywith startups and give personal advice. We partnered with Startup Chile toconsult with people who have startups. I was able to relate to one of thestartups in particular because it was students running the startup to solve aproblem on their campus. All of the startups were in different phases; I lovedbeing able to enter their business development process where they were andask them questions to help them refine their business model. Since I havebeen back [at Texas A&M], I have truly enjoyed getting to offer advice tobusiness owners [here] based off of what I learned on my study abroad.

Our trip was interestingbecause of the variety ofplaces that we visited. We didnot just focus on one aspectof the startup ecosystem inChile, but visitedorganizations that each havea specific part to play in theoverall landscape. While Ithought meeting with thelocal entrepreneurs at HUBProvidencia was emotionallyrewarding and worthwhile,understanding the largerpicture was also interesting tome. Each place that we visitedwas like a puzzle piece, andunderstanding the picturethat is made when they are allput together brought thewhole trip into better light.

REBECCA BOOTH '20

COREY STONE '15Before departing on this trip, I thought of entrepreneurship much like I would imaginemany of my fellow millennials do.  I imagined technology startups in Silicon Valley, trendylogos on repurposed buildings in Austin, and Magnolia Farms-adjacent restaurants thatcharge far too much for avocado toast.  Of course in my mind, I know thatentrepreneurship not only expands beyond the common millennial examples, but alsoentrepreneurship is not limited to the creation of an enterprise.  It is a mindset that can behoned, perhaps like a science, but also it is an art, sometimes perplexing to the brightestof minds.  In Chile, I was able to witness a business environment that was at times just likecomparable cities in the United States, while also in a different place all at the same time. Almost more European in nature in some barrios, Santiago and the surrounding areasoffered beauty and economic vibrancy that surprised me, while the rural areas stillpresented a lifestyle that seemed to be yearning for an economic boom—but perhapslimited by the context it exists in.

My experience in Chile was twofold: being simultaneously exposed to thedeep-rooted culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as Chile’smore broadly encompassing culture of hospitality, revered landscapes, and thedeeply felt history of the Mapuche peoples. This trip provided me with a newframe of thinking about business, while guiding me through a corner of theworld I never thought I would be lucky enough to visit. From this experience Igained new friends, an eye for entrepreneurship and appreciation of theresources available at A&M, as well as the urge to travel and learn from othercultures around the world.

GWEN KRUSE '19

REUBEN MIKESKA

REBEKAH STORKERecruiter and peer mentor forfreshmen Startup LivingLearning Community & Highschool program fellow

High school program fellow,Startup LLC recruitment, &Student assistant programcoordinator

"During the study abroad I learned moreabout what the McFerrin Center offers.After I returned, I got involved organizingand facilitating recruiting for the LivingLearning Community. Now I will be a peermentor for the Startup LLC. Myinvolvement has sharpened my publicspeaking skills and entrepreneurialmindset."

"While in Chile I discovered more of myentrepreneurial passions and how Icould pursue them with the McFerrinCenter when I got back. I instantlybecame very involved and helped buildthe high school outreach programthrough deepening relationships withhigh school incubators and hostingrecruiting events."

Global Entrepreneurship in Chile participants, upon their return to Texas A&MUniversity from their study abroad experience, become leaders in the McFerrinCenter. Through student worker positions, student organization membership, andparticipation in many programs, students are challenged to expand theirentrepreneurship experience beyond the study abroad.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

CASSIDY HAIRSTONFounder and President ofWomen in Entrepreneurship(WIE) at Texas A&M

"The Chile study abroad with the McFerrinCenter showed me what entrepreneurshipreally is and that I don't just have to inventsomething to get involved."

KEVIN HORTONGlobal Entrepreneurship in Chilevideo creator &Vice President of CollegiateEntrepreneurs Organization

"The study abroad experience paintedentrepreneurship in a new light for me andhelped me appreciate the vast amount ofresources available through the McFerrinCenter."

TORY ARMENDIZPlanned, recruited for, and executedday-of operations for Lemonade Day

"After the study abroad I activelyparticipated in programs like LemonadeDay within the McFerrin Center that teachothers the importance of entrepreneurshipand the skills that can help you excel as anentrepreneur."

Entrepreneurship isn't just starting a business.If you think you're not an entrepreneur, you'reprobably wrong. Entrepreneurs are theproblem solvers of our society. They arepassionate individuals who want to make animpact. Whether they create a new invention,work for an innovative company, or launch astartup, entrepreneurs are the change-makersin the world.

THE MCFERRIN CENTERFOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

After participating in a Global Entrepreneurship program, students areinvited to explore entrepreneurship through the various McFerrin Centerprograms offered throughout the academic year.

THE MCFERRIN CENTERFOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

3 D A Y S T A R T U P3 Day Startup (3DS) is an electrifying program that empowers students todevelop a validated business idea over the course of one weekend.

R A Y M O N D I D E A S C H A L L E N G ERaymond Ideas Challenge asks Texas A&M students “What's your big idea?”Top ideas are selected and trained for a competition that awards $10,000 incash prizes.

S T A R T U P A G G I E L A N DTexas A&M's on campus student business accelerator, available to allTexas A&M students who want to learn what it means to found a startup,regardless of their major or classification.

E N T R E P R E N E U R I A L E X P E R I E N C E S F U N DApplication based funding for students who are pursuing an entrepreneurship-centered experience such as a pitch competition, conference, online training orsimilar opportunity.

S T U D E N T O R G A N I Z A T I O N SA way to get involved in an entrepreneurship community through studentorganizations such as Student Business Owners Association, CollegiateEntrepreneurs Organization, and Women in Entrepreneurship.

M C F E R R I N F E L L O W SAn innovative student leadership opportunity for those interested ingrowing their hard- and soft-management skills, while enhancing the Aggieentrepreneurial ecosystem.