Clara Cliver graduated with the novel Concept, Creation and Commercialization (C3) certificate that has allowed her and her peers to hone their entrepreneurial skills. Cliver explains how being one of the first recipients has set her apart and become a part of who she is.
Q: Did you have a specific awakening when you realized the C3 certificate was the perfect fit for you?
A: When I first found out about the Engineering Entrepreneurship Program, I decided to get involved slowly by taking the one-hour seminar class. Each speaker came in and shared their successes and failures as an entrepreneur. There was something in each speaker that I identified with and saw in myself. It became clear to me that I had this entrepreneurial spirit and should continue to develop it through the certificate.
Q: What sense of accomplishment has this certificate given you as one of the first recipients?
A: There is a sense of excitement that comes with being one of the first recipients, but the most exciting thing for me is to be able to watch this program grow. It is extremely young and will only continue to develop. The huge benefit I received from this program will be nothing compared to the benefit of it in the coming years. I am looking forward to seeing the Aggie entrepreneurs and businesses that come out of this program.
Q: How would you describe your overall experience with engineering entrepreneurship?
A: Absolutely incredible. Getting involved in the Engineering Entrepreneurship Program was the best thing I did during college. It gave me a community of other entrepreneurial-minded students that I did not find in my major. The professors and other entrepreneurs I have in my network because of this program is invaluable.
Q: What would you recommend to other students that are interested in the certificate?
A: Get the certificate. I was able to work with my advisors and get my C3 classes to count toward my degree plan. As a result, I was able to graduate earlier than I had expected. So definitely work with your advisors to see how you can “double-dip” for credits.
Q: What type of students do you think should pursue the certificate and what first steps should they take to see if it’s right for them?
A: I think there is benefit in this certificate for everyone, but I believe students who go beyond the technical components of a design and look at the big picture of their design and its impact on the customer, market, environment, etc. should definitely get the certificate. To see if the certificate is right for you, I would suggest taking the seminar class first. It is a really easy way to be exposed to what entrepreneurship is without having a huge commitment to one’s schedule.
Q: How has this certificate impacted your passion for your major?
A: As an industrial engineer, my job is to make things better, faster and cheaper. This certificate reinforced my ability to do that through learning and practicing skills such as customer interviews. This certificate not only helped me become an entrepreneur, but it has made me a better engineer.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
A: Getting the C3 certificate does not mean you have to want to start your own company. This certificate showed me that I can apply my entrepreneurial spirit within a company. However, the best benefit this certificate gave me is the confidence that if I ever want to start a company, I know the basics of what needs to happen. Choosing to get this certificate opened up great opportunities for my future, which is exactly what an entrepreneur does – they seize opportunity.
See more information on the C3 certificate.