Page 49 - EducationWorld October 2020

SPECIAL ESSAY
A Chance to Transform from High School

Students to Financially Responsible
Entrepreneurs

e are witness to the technological megatrends, technology
widespread consequences commercialisation and beyond.
of a dynamic, As technology grows central to new-age
Wunpredictable world. The businesses, the case for entrepreneurs
pandemic has dealt devastating blows to the without engineering backgrounds to get
global economy, even touted to be worse hands-on with programming is also growing.
than the financial crisis of 2008-09. In this ‘Code’ is the language of the 21st century.
backdrop, it becomes imperative to train future Tailored to the needs of new ventures around
entrepreneurs and businesspeople with the digital finance, the programme will impart
financial agility and dynamism to succeed in training in Python, a programming language
times of crises and beyond. among the best-suited to data crunching and
In an effort to empower the youth to embark FinTech. Professor Arjya B. Majumdar
on their own success stories and transform People & planning—hone skills of
the economy of India, O.P. Jindal Global communication & strategy ISDE Summer School in Madrid and
University has launched a one-of-a-kind The route to success is mapped by Barcelona; Queen Mary University of London;
programme at the Jindal School of Banking & navigating traps and pitfalls along the way. To and University of Queensland, Australia. They
Finance (JSBF)—the three-year B.A. (Hons.) a large extent, whether a start-up thrives or can also pursue semester exchange, dual
in Finance & Entrepreneurship. It will offer falls flat depends on a well-crafted business degree and postgraduate pathways at leading
a nuanced understanding of issues at the plan. Young entrepreneurs must not only institutions across the world.
intersection of finance and entrepreneurship. learn the drivers of success, but also critically Get ahead of the curve with a knowledge
Here’s what budding entrepreneurs stand to evaluate those of failure. Students will study of law
gain from the contemporary new degree: various ventures closely to arrive at those Being an entrepreneur does not mean you
A firm footing in finance key differentiators, so they can apply the best have to manage every aspect of a business
Start-ups are built on great ideas. An practices in their own future plans. alone. Yet a basic knowledge of finance,
innovative concept is key to cracking the When it comes to effective planning, terms technology, and even law, will be useful to get
start-up scene, but in the long-run, for a like ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’ are becoming off the ground, negotiate initial processes, hire
breakthrough product or service to succeed buzzwords in the start-up scene. It is a the right people, and build business alliances
in the market, entrepreneurs need to have a method of identifying new markets with few wisely.
handle on finance and economics. or no players to create innovative ventures Marketplace realities can be challenging
Without an understanding of concepts like that target rapid growth. Students get a for new players. First-time entrepreneurs will
working capital, venture capital, cash flows, chance to learn all this and much more—from inevitably be faced with the complex legalities
equity, assets, liabilities, financial risks, taxes, the Lego Serious Play Method (a technique of business, be it company law, intellectual
security analysis, behavioural economics, which improves group problem solving), to property, contracts, trademarks, taxation, etc.
private wealth management, return on understanding start-up ecosystems, design The programme explores such legal issues
investment, and so on, the vast and complex thinking and innovation, and the nuances of to help students understand and build strong
world of business can seem daunting. Housed business communication. legal frameworks. Students can also take
in a cutting-edge school of banking and Extensive exposure to nurture electives at Jindal Global Law School, which is
finance, this programme is uniquely positioned entrepreneurial skills ranked as India’s leading law school.
to help students grasp the financial needs of Some argue that entrepreneurship is Incubate your big ideas while at college
their new ventures. an inherent quality. Others believe that The ‘Startup JGU Innovation Lab’ helps
A practical knowledge of business- a conducive environment can ignite an students ideate and develop their own
oriented technology entrepreneurial mindset and fuel it with the wventures. JSBF also facilitates a ‘Startup
Today’s generation has been born into necessary skills to find success. Yet at the Founder Series’ which supports students
a digital age where technology is the very end of the day, it is truly in the hands of an with promising ideas to identify opportunities,
backbone of modern life. Using technology individual. build business models and even register a
comes naturally to many young people. JGU hopes to inspire the youth to achieve business. Based on a screening, selected
Given the right guidance to get acquainted greatness in whatever they do. Providing ventures could also receive funding, extended
with technology relevant to business, young every opportunity possible to accelerate mentorship and access to JGU’s global
entrepreneurs in-the-making can be poised to students’ learning, JSBF offers a basket of professional networks. The B.A. (Hons.)
conquer the world of business. multidisciplinary courses under the mentorship F&E is an ideal stepping stone for high
school students to transform into financially
Students will learn to appreciate digital of internationally-qualified faculty, internship responsible entrepreneurs in just three years.
financial platforms and digital tools, from the opportunities, workshops, industry projects,
basics of Microsoft Excel to software like and a gamut of global opportunities.
Tableau or Power BI, the top data analysis Students can avail short-term study abroad Professor Arjya B. Majumdar
tools for Business Intelligence (BI). They will programmes at Wharton Business School, Dean, Admissions & Outreach
dabble with data analytics as they explore University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; O.P. Jindal Global University

EDUCATIONWORLD OCTOBER 2020