As we look ahead, one thing is clear in the business space. The world will need bold creativity, and organizations will need innovative talent. They will need unicorn talent.
Over the past two weeks, I have had the pleasure of being inspired and uplifted by a new generation of bold innovative talent through the online Enactus US National Exposition where college students have showcased how they have identified critical needs, created solutions and implemented sustainable, livelihood-impacting change across the globe. On the surface, these efforts resemble service learning meets Shark Tank; however, as an Enactus alumna, I know they are so much more than that.
The Enactus Advantage
Enactus students identify and assess needs, many supporting the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and apply the business acumen they are gaining in the classroom by taking entrepreneurial action, in partnership with businesses and nonprofits. All of their projects are focused on changing lives and creating a better future. These projects are awe-inspiring because their impact is sustainable and the experiential learning undertaken by students directly translates into the highly sought after globally aware and critical thinking talent that organizations welcome into their ranks and future board rooms.
If these hands-on, highly complex real-world problem-solving initiatives were not admirable enough in and of themselves, student teams then present memorized oral presentations to articulate how passion-fueled needs assessments, entrepreneurial actions and sustainable results have improved lives; business leaders evaluate and coach the teams. Friendly competition concludes with a national winner being selected for the honor of representing their country at the Enactus World Cup. With service, hope and innovation at its core, Enactus offer students the added benefits of professional development, networking, mentorship and employment opportunities with program sponsors.
Benefiting People, Planet & Prosperity
When I think about my days as an Enactus student, many invaluable, often hard-learned lessons, come to mind as does the uplifting, “no challenge too big” Enactus energy. It’s contagious! Business professionals need this reminder now and then. Enactus – the people, the projects and the potential – reminds us of the power of ideas, importance of sustainable solutions and passion of teams.
As a student and now an alumni competition judge, I have witnessed teams develop business models to keep women and children safe in countries where domestic violence and femicide rates are high, increase access to clean drinking water and housing in third-world countries, equip those seeking employment with the professional guidance and attire they need to succeed, and develop scalable, economic solutions for active shooter lockdown defenses which are in high demand in the education sector. Enactus students are already tackling COVID-19 social issues with measurable impact in their local communities….WOW!
To the Point
When recruiters and hiring managers see Enactus on a resume or hear a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Results) story in an interview, this special tier of talent rises above. They shine. Their skills are time-tested, and these professionals are ready to take on new, complex challenges. Hire them.
Our world needs more entrepreneurially-minded, socially-aware, strategic and tactical problem solvers. Thank you, Enactus, higher education institutions and Sam Walton Fellows (faculty advisors) for empowering students. Thank you, students, for giving of yourselves. Continue “seeing opportunity.” Keep changing the world!
Together, #WeAllWin, and the #NextGenLeaders the world so dearly needs are molded and empowered.
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