Students as Research Entrepreneurs

	© Nathan Mandell

A researcher is an entrepreneur offering new ideas rather than products or services. Students must subject their research to rigorous testing and analysis to ensure its validity before it is published. The ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and in oral presentations, is important to this process. Students present their research in a seminar setting before their colleagues, faculty and other students, who raise questions and make comments that foster further study and examination.

Through research and theoretical discussions with their colleagues, doctoral students refine their ideas and develop methods and models to solve problems. By the time a student reaches the dissertation stage, he/she should have a thorough understanding of his/her field, the ability to identify opportunities for new frameworks and insights, and the technical ability to turn those opportunities into published research. These experiences prepare students for productive careers in research and teaching.