Learn the Skills and Mindset to Become an Entrepreneur

With this blog, we'll accelerate the global conversation about the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. We'll give voice to our students, professors, alumni and industry partners thriving in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We'll showcase personal stories about challenges confronted and dreams realized. Readers will come away with insight and advice about what it takes to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and skillsand, above all, how the Lehigh@NasdaqCenter is redefining the very concept of entrepreneurship itself.

April 30, 2024

5 Networking Tips for Introverts (and Anyone Else)

Even if you’re an introvert who dreads the notion of networking, you can develop your skills to get out there and do it. Research by the Lehigh@NasdaqCenter, a partnership between Lehigh University and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, identified make-or-break factors for developing networking skills. They include: the ability to adapt your thinking swiftly in response to changing situations; combating a tendency to focus more on avoiding errors and negative results and instead striving for positive

April 1, 2024

5 steps to take so you can stop "faking it 'til you make it"

In her reflective narrative, Samantha DeWalt shares her journey of grappling with self-confidence as a young woman navigating the tech industry. Motivated by her experiences, she delved into research on authenticity in the workplace, conducting a study that revealed the importance of being true to oneself as a leader. Through interviews with senior women leaders, she gleaned insights into the art of authenticity as a leadership skill. DeWalt emphasizes the significance of knowing personal values

January 5, 2024

The Mistakes Startups Make Training and Managing Student Interns

As startups increasingly hire college interns, there's a gap in training and managing them effectively. Samantha Dewalt and Nicola Corzine offer insights on maximizing the potential of early talent. Drawing from research on Silicon Valley startups and student interns, they emphasize the importance of articulating a company's purpose, connecting interns' work to the mission, and setting clear expectations. Providing feedback, encouraging self-assessment, and scheduling regular meetings are crucial for consistent development. Designating an intern manager

January 5, 2024

Why Everyone Should Develop an Entrepreneurial Mindset

In the current job landscape, an entrepreneurial mindset is increasingly valued, with half of job ads emphasizing its importance. Samantha Dewalt and Anh Dinh from Lehigh@NasdaqCenter explore the elusive definition of an entrepreneurial mindset. Their research identifies 11 essential attributes for success, such as opportunity recognition, risk-taking, and resilience. Contrary to common belief, the study reveals that success in entrepreneurship depends more on personality and attitude than accumulated knowledge. The key takeaway is that these

January 5, 2024

Women in Tech Can Get Out of the Mid-Career Limbo By Being Themselves - And Using This One Superpower to Get Ahead

Despite progress, women in the workplace, particularly in the tech sector, still face challenges in being authentic. Research indicates that cultural norms and gender stereotypes often pressure women to conform, hindering their ability to express their true selves. Interviews with nine women senior leaders in technology reveal that authenticity is a skill developed over time, requiring practice, patience, and persistence. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and adapting to different situations while maintaining

July 29, 2023

How Universities Can Advance Entrepreneurship Education

With nearly one-third of university students aspiring to be entrepreneurs within five years, the demand for entrepreneurship education has surged globally. However, the traditional model focused solely on creating new ventures is deemed outdated. A roundtable discussion organized by Lehigh University suggests universities should redefine entrepreneurship education as a global mindset or skillset. The symposium highlights the potential of public-private partnerships, emphasizing the roles of academia, industry, and government in fostering entrepreneurial development. Global partnerships

December 13, 2022

6 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Be More Emotionally Intelligent

Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster of emotions, with highs of pride and lows of uncertainty. Research from Lehigh University and Lehigh@NasdaqCenter reveals that these emotions significantly influence decision-making and business outcomes. Positive emotions like enthusiasm can boost sales by 12%, while negative emotions such as fear can enhance learning from failure. Recognizing emotional triggers, understanding their contagious nature, and maintaining emotional well-being through healthy habits become key factors in navigating the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship

September 15, 2022

Why Startups Need Interns – And Vice-Versa

Startups are an opportunity for interns to accelerate the real-world learning process while bringing fresh ideas to the company. Nishika de Rosairo breaks down her outlook on startup internships.