I came in knowing next to nothing about business and now I feel that I have flourished in business. This program is very beneficial and I feel that I am ready for college.
- Nathaniel C.
Business could be a very real career choice for me! I enjoyed the class, and I think my group’s business model has a lot of potential.
- Burke P.
Overview
Students will learn firsthand from business veterans about starting and running a business. Over the course of the program, they will develop a plan for a new venture and pitch their idea to real world investors. Along the way, meet with leaders from different areas of business and finance.
Last year students got insight from the Better Business Bureau. Kelsey Coleman, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, shared the importance of integrity and performance in business.
Hands-On Learning
Students will examine best practices in Research and Development (R&D), Operations, Marketing, and Finance. Understand the mechanics of scaling a business while maintaining quality.
Students become part of a new company and configure themselves into teams working on various aspects of a business. The program culminates in a shark tank environment with professional investors.
Career Exploration
Meet with range of business people, from small business owners, mid-level managers and execs from Goldman Sachs, McKinsey consultant, and CEO.
From creative marketers to hard-nosed financial analysts, there are myriad careers you may not have heard of. Together we will discuss the career options and the academic paths to get there.
Instructor
Darren Gibson, Ed.D., MBA
Dr. Gibson is a professor of Business at Trinity Washington University, holds a doctorate degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, and is certified in Six Sigma. As a faculty member, he has taught courses in business law, business management, entrepreneurship, finance, and leadership. Darren Gibson is also the founder and CEO of The Gibson Collective, LLC. Prior to teaching, he worked in the private sector in a variety of senior positions in the financial services industry.
Note: Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners. Universities and their affiliated departments are not responsible for the Summer Springboard program in any way.
