Abstract
In this chapter, the author will touch on the necessity of social entrepreneurship within the communication program curriculum. Higher education institutions, especially historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU), commit themselves within their mission and vision statements to producing and molding the leaders of today. Since their inception, well-rounded leaders and entrepreneurs have been birthed from those historic halls and navigated their way to the highest heights of society. Therefore, it is imperative that students turned leaders must have an entrepreneurial skillset to make it within the courtroom, boardroom, classroom, and beyond.
TopBackground
As the junior and senior years approach, college students generally have graduation on their minds along with the uncertainty of where/if they will have job security after they walk across the stage. Before students can process this notion, they must participate in an internship and/or practicum course. These courses allow for students to gain on-hand experience in their chosen field of study.
Internships are normally seen as a bridge to the real world and putting their degrees to use– opportunities to put “passion” into action after many semesters of classroom lectures and assignments. Over time, the ultimate importance and necessity of the internship experience has been lost in translation over the years. Often, students use the internship and practicum courses as a “break” away from campus and the shadows of professors. While at their internship sites, students encounter a new atmosphere, filled with potential workforce training and an outlook on their future career. However, more often than not, students squander this opportunity by not grasping the intended concept of the experience. It can be assumed that students are not well-informed or well-equipped with a working explanation and standards of the internship expectations.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Practicum: A practicum is a period of time for an undergraduate or graduate student where they receive supervised.
HBCU: Historically Black College and University.
Internship: An internship is a course or opportunity that allows students to immerse themselves in a particular industry or job. If enrolled in a college or university, students typically earn college credit for their experience.
Innovation: Innovation is the method or process of creating a new idea that will benefit a community of people.
Experiential Learning: Experiential learning is a method where students and/or persons learn through experiences, hands-on activities, and reflection.
Social Entrepreneurship: Social entrepreneurship is a path that business owners and persons develop ideas and solutions that provide a resolution to societal and community issues.
Freelancer: A freelancer is a self-employed person that works with various organizations and companies via short-term or temporary contracts.
Communications Programs: A degree program within colleges and universities that focus on public relations, journalism, and media studies.