1. What is design thinking?

Design thinking is a process of how you think of ideas to create solutions. This promotes breaking concepts down to the finest of details. Additionally, finding a methodology helps with this type of thinking. Design thinking is not limited, but in fact, opens the door to greater methodologies.

2. How has design thinking influenced a product I use?

Design thinking has allowed me to critically analyze problems within my work. When a textbook answer doesn’t work, am I required to think outside of the box. This includes critical thinking, & ingenuity. The design thinking process pushes me as an individual to be proactive in my work & studies.

3. What are the connections between opportunities and planning?

Opportunities allow me to seek alternative options to succeed in my career field. In order to plan, I need an opportunity. In order to utilize an opportunity, I need a plan. Opportunity & planning go hand in hand.

4. What opportunities have I missed?

In my educational career, I would say I have missed internship opportunities. I have not been afforded the opportunity to attend an internship in Cyber, due to me being active duty military overseas. If I was still back home in Virginia, my options might have been increased. However, even with being in the military, I’ve had even more doors opened through certifications, & on hands experience.

5. Can a successful venture be unethical?

A successful venture can 100% be unethical. Just because someone is successful, does not mean they achieved it through ethical means. You could live a selfish life, with no regard for others, & get pretty far. However, you will burn a lot of bridges along the way

1. Why do ethics matter in entrepreneurship?

Ethics matter because businesses need to be able to trust each other. If companies cannot establish trust among each other, how can deals be brokered? Following standardized rules amongst businesses will promote innovation. “Standardized rules” will hold everyone accountable.

2. How does my own personal budget relate to an entrepreneurship budget?

My budget is very limited. My annual salory is $25K, which doesn’t allow much room to start a new company or business idea. While an entrepreneur does have to take a risk with investment, money is required to take a risk. My budget prevents me from taking a considerable risk with a starter-up idea.

3. Why do we need budgets?

Budgets are necessary as it allows the creation of reasonable limits. With a budget, money can be allocated toward a goal. If you seek out a goal without any preparation, you surround yourself with unnecessary risk. Everyone needs to plan out a budget to follow a goal successfully.

4. What is social entrepreneurship?

Social entrepreneurship describes an idea or business that is socially motivated. This idea could resolve a cultural problem within a society. It could be a means to an end with a problem that significantly impacts a certain demographic. Social entrepreneurs resolve social problems.

5. What are the most significant legal issues entrepreneurs face?

A big legal issue entrepreneurs face: copyright infringement, obtaining a patent, or IP rights. This is important because when a new idea is invented, it must be original. If the idea is new, you must ensure no one steals it. Additionally, you need to secure permission for said idea. Lastly, you must ensure you’re not violating copyright law if the idea is taken.

Week 4:

1.    Why do entrepreneurs get in trouble with the law?

Entrepreneurs get in trouble with the law over a lack of knowledge. Ignorance is bliss. If you don’t know the law when developing a new idea, then there’s less attention to detail. Attention to detail is extremely important. Likewise, knowing the law when starting up an idea is equally important.

2.    What does psychology have to do with marketing?

Knowing your audience goes a long way in selling a product. If you know who you’re selling a product to, you can tweak your advertising. Taking advantage of someone with product pitches lets you catch the most buyers. Understanding how people think allows you to use social engineering to get your way.

3.    What types of marketing sway my decisions?

Marketing that appeals to my desires sways my decision-making. If someone can sell me a reasonably priced product, I’ll bite. However, if I’m caught in a moment of desperation, it’s easier to get me to buy something. The situation dictates, and anyone can be sold a product at the right time.

4.     How can I pitch ideas better?

Pitching better ideas requires a good amount of research. You can’t expect to sell something without any data. Reliable data from participants is needed. Additionally, you need to put yourself in the mind of the customer. This allows you to cater your ideas to a certain demographic.

5.     What are my strengths and weaknesses in pitching?

One of my strengths is engaging with someone. Also, I’m very energetic and excited to pitch someone an idea. One of my weaknesses is sharing too much information. Another one of my weaknesses is not having a solid response prepared for questions I might be asked.

Week 5:

1.     What are the connections between the disciplines addressing entrepreneurship at ODU?

ODU offers multiple methods of addressing entrepreneurship. From courses to internships, ODU does not let up. These methods can be used to gain real-life experience in any desired field. ODU provides the resources, the student just has to apply himself or herself.

 

2.     Is entrepreneurship an art or science?

Entrepreneurship is a bit of both. Entrepreneurship is an art because it does require some skill. However, skill is subjective. Additionally, there are proven methodologies/ formulas that lead to great success. There are elements of truth that demonstrate entrepreneurship being both an art and a science.

 

3.     How is failure good?

Failure is viewed as a bad thing. However, failure serves many good purposes. For one, it teaches people what to improve on. Also, it’s a motivator to become better in a subject matter.

 

4.     What have I learned from failing?

From failure, I have learned to work harder. I need to make time for what I want to accomplish. Nothing is given, and hard work is required. Even when you fall up, you will get back up again, as long as you have the right mindset.

 

5.     What ethical issues might arise related to what I am working on

Many ethical issues may arise. For starters, AI is very difficult to filter. Ensuring copywritten material isn’t distributed will not be an easy task. Distributing policy changes to protect intellectual property, will be equally difficult. One ethical issue with accomplishing these goals is ensuring private data is protected, and privacy isn’t violated.

Week 6:

1. Describe five businesses or non-profits that have been created in my field.

The first business related to my field of cybersecurity is Cisco Systems Inc. Cisco is a technology organization that was a leading pioneer in the networking field. Cisco’s devices are used worldwide and connect people everywhere. Cisco is well-known for the hard work and research they put into their products. Lastly, Cisco is a prominent certification vendor. Having a certification from Cisco displays prestigious knowledge in the cyber field and streamlines many hiring opportunities.

The second business related to cybersecurity is Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin is a very known defense contractor for the United States. The company works closely with the Department of Defense and provides many technological IoT (Internet of Things) devices for the military. Additionally, Lockheed Martine has significant investments in satellite systems, which have advanced space exploration. Lastly, Lockheed Martine specializes in weapon systems such as mission defense systems.

The third business related to cybersecurity is Microsoft. Microsoft is highly well-known and provides operating systems for most of the whole’s computers. Microsoft has software innovations such as Word and Excel, with revolutionized writing. Lastly, Microsoft is a significant contributor to educational programs that expand worldwide.

The fourth business related to cybersecurity is Raytheon. Raytheon is another military contracting company. Ratheon fulfills hundreds of contracts for the United States military. Raytheon mainly provides missiles and hypersonic weapons. Also, Raytheon recently started supporting aerospace systems in 2020. Overall, Raytheon is a massive contributor to the United States military and provides extensive assets that protect this country’s borders.

The fifth business related to cybersecurity is McAfee. McAfee is a well-known antivirus provided by default on most computers. Their mission is to protect computer systems from infection on a client end. McAfee also provides corporate solutions with enhanced security measures. Lastly, McAfee works as an ISAC (Information Sharing Analysis Center), discovering new vulnerabilities daily.

2. What is your overall perspective on the entrepreneurship experience?

For starters, the entrepreneurship experience is lengthy. Being an entrepreneur is not a simple task. Patience, discipline, and good time management skills are required to be an effective entrepreneur. This class enabled me to create innovations. Having gone through this “entrepreneur experience, ” I believe that in the future, I will successfully draft projects and pitch ideas to senior executives because of the skills I obtained.  The entrepreneurship experience is a roller coaster, but the results ultimately pay off.

3. How did the entrepreneurship prepare or not prepare you to be a competitive candidate  for vacant positions?

Entrepreneurship enabled me, simply put. I am now aware of my innovative capabilities. Before this class, I was not particularly interested in innovating ideas. However, now I can brainstorm an effective solution to a pressing cybersecurity problem. If there is a need for innovation, I am confident I can walk myself through the necessary steps to provide a thought-out product idea. With this experience, I will bring more knowledge and preparation to a future employer.

4. What suggestions do you have to improve the experience?

To improve the experience of an entrepreneur, I recommend several things. First, meeting in person is crucial. It is very challenging to connect with people without physical interactions. Phone calls and Zoom meetings have a different effect than in-person meetings. Second, guided in-person would do wonders. Learning the trade of entrepreneurship online proved to be very challenging. Lastly, working with specialists in each other’s perspective field would have helped exponentially. Working with a specialist would have enabled better project ideas and helped give students a better “inside” feel of what businesses seek.

5. What’s next for you?

Next, my mission is to finish the Summer semester. Upon completing my Summer session, I must complete my Fall semester to graduate with my Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity. Additionally, I will be retroactively studying for industry-based certifications. This will enable me to expand my knowledge and credibility as a future cybersecurity analyst. Later in 2024, I will either change branches inside the United States military or transition to a civilian job. My goal Is to provide a better product to the next cybersecurity company I work for. Whether as a service or a civilian. Specifically, I want to provide a better security solution for industry-level IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) assets. Applying the skills I learned from this class, I am confident I will make my goal a reality.