Joining a new Auburn organization could offer the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of starting a business.
The Auburn Student Entrepreneurship Organization was started this semester by Chris Eckhardt and Ashley Yerves, both seniors in entrepreneurship.
Eckhardt said this group fills in the things a college course could not teach.
"The point of this organization is three things," Eckhardt said, "to network with entrepreneurship-minded students, to network with successful entrepreneurs and other business professionals and also to educate and inspire our members to be successful entrepreneurs themselves."
Eckhardt approached Dave Ketchen, professor in the College of Business and faculty adviser for the group, early this semester with the idea for the organization.
"I was excited about the chance to serve as the faculty adviser because this group is a way to more strongly connect with Auburn's vibrant community of accomplished entrepreneurs," Ketchen said.
The group has already had a few socials and plans to meet with Bobby Lowder, former chairman of the board and CEO of Colonial BancGroup, this week.
Samuel Solomon, senior in public relations, joined the group with one of his fraternity brothers and looks forward to meeting Lowder.
"It's an exciting opportunity, especially for a club that's really new and really small," Solomon said." That's a pretty big deal. Other than that we've just had socials. It's been nice just sitting around and talking to everybody, sharing ideas about where we think entrepreneurship is heading and the impact of it."
Eckhardt said the organization will soon start networking with other business professionals, which is great for employment and internship opportunities. The SEO will meet with a number of local businesses as well as a few in Atlanta.
Some members have some experience in entrepreneurship already.
Solomon has started a business before called Fruggl that sold coupons. It isn't in operation anymore, but he said it was a great experience for him.
"The fact that I was able to start a company and go through and learn the ins and outs, and in some cases learn some pretty tough lessons, I think was way more valuable than anything I've ever learned in college," he said.
Solomon said he reads a lot of articles and blogs from top serial entrepreneurs to find new ideas.
"Because I have already gone and found investors and done a lot of these things that young entrepreneurs are aspiring to do, I think I am someone that people can turn to look when they've got an idea," Solomon said.
Being able to network with other students is important for this group to succeed in its goals, Eckhardt said.
"My hope is that students will develop excellent business contacts and find new mentors through the organization," Kerchen said.
Eckhardt said members of the club hope to have all the paperwork completed and the group officially recognized by the SGA by November.
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