Careers in Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Entrepreneurship powers the American and global economy and is focused on opportunity recognition, creativity and innovation, and new venture creation. K-state Entrepreneurship students will develop the necessary skills to make innovative ideas become a reality, specifically by:
- Developing an understanding of the entrepreneurial process – from idea generation to the implementation of the new business or social venture.
- Gaining the ability to identify, research, and analyze potential markets that would enhance value and profitability.
- Developing an understanding of the concept of risk and how its effect on new ventures can be minimized.
- Demonstrating the capacity to identify and acquire the resources needed for the creation and implementation of a new venture.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Pathways
There are two main paths to take in Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Startup & Intrapreneurship.
A startup is a newly established, independent business venture created to develop innovative products or services and bring them to market. Founded by entrepreneurs, startups operate with high levels of risk and uncertainty, often relying on external funding sources like investors or loans. They typically have limited resources but benefit from the freedom to pivot quickly, experiment, and grow rapidly. Startups offer the potential for significant financial reward and ownership but demand resilience, agility, and a strong tolerance for risk.
Intrapreneurship refers to entrepreneurial initiatives taken by employees within an existing organization to develop new products, services, or processes. Intrapreneurs leverage the company’s resources, infrastructure, and brand while driving innovation internally. Although they face fewer personal financial risks and have more support, they must work within corporate policies and may encounter bureaucratic limitations. The rewards are often recognition, promotions, or bonuses rather than ownership, making intrapreneurship a lower-risk path to innovation with the backing of an established enterprise.
Build Entrepreneurship & Innovation Career Skills
- Innovation Challenge
- K-State Launch
- K-State Made
- K-State Student Business Showcase
- Pitch & Pizza Nights
- Internships
- Study Abroad
- LinkedIn Learning – LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of courses and certifications. K-State students can gain free access to LinkedIn Learning with a Manhattan Public Library membership.
- Coursera
CBA Student Organizations:
National/Regional Organizations:
