rawiwrites

[rawiwrites]

The Entrepreneurial Mind Journey of a Civil Engineering student

Pitching an idea initially seemed straightforward to me, but the panelists at our final pitch presentation quickly proved otherwise. Their insightful feedback and business acumen were both challenging and eye-opening, highlighting the gaps in our pitch that we hadn't anticipated. Despite the tough questions and critical analysis, we managed to present our idea for the WeFetch app. While our group successfully navigated many of the questions, there were moments where some of us, including myself, struggled to provide adequate answers. The entire experience underscored the complexity of pitching a business idea and the demanding nature of entering the business world. It became clear that the process requires more than just a good idea—it demands rigorous preparation, in-depth knowledge, and the ability to think on one's feet, which goes beyond the typical experiences of regular students.

Entrepreneurship is the process of starting and running a new business or venture, often characterized by innovation, risk-taking, and proactive problem-solving. Entrepreneurs identify market opportunities, create and implement business plans, and navigate challenges to establish and grow their enterprises. To become an entrepreneur, one should start by identifying a unique idea or market need, conduct thorough research, and develop a solid business plan. Acquiring necessary skills and knowledge through education or experience, securing funding, and building a network of mentors and advisors can also significantly aid in the entrepreneurial journey. These are the things that we learned during the lecture series that happened on May 8, 2024, at the University Convention Center of Central Mindanao University.

Talking about a journey filled with learning and joy really warms my heart, especially the memories made with my group mates, and not just my group but also all the other groups that pitched their ideas with us. The entrepreneurial journey was a roller coaster, from having problems deciding on our final product, to asking strangers about their issues, to formulating an app that addresses the top three problems they encountered. This was especially challenging since we are civil engineering majors, not business majors accustomed to these tasks. We constructed an app that caters to both transportation needs and security concerns. To validate our idea, we conducted surveys with students around the campus to determine their willingness to sign up as users.

The entire experience, from brainstorming to the final pitch, was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones. It was more than an academic exercise; it was a real-world challenge that required us to think critically, adapt quickly, and work cohesively as a team. The lessons learned and the camaraderie built throughout this journey have been invaluable, shaping not only our understanding of entrepreneurship but also our approach to future challenges in our respective fields. Moreover, without the help and guidance of our instructor, Reymark Menguito, our journey would not have been as successful. His support was crucial in navigating the complexities of our project and ensuring that we remained focused and motivated throughout the process.

[rawiwrites]

From pitch to feedback: The WeFetch Journey on Campus

On March 5, 2024, we had a big chance to talk about our idea with some really smart people which is our panelist. They told us what they thought could make our app, WeFetch, even better. They also shared tips on how we could do well against other apps similar to us on the campus. Even though we had some tough times, we did a good job explaining our app.

Lights, Camera, Action: Crafting the WeFetch Promo

Getting people to know about a product without a commercial is tough. So, we decided to make a short video to show off WeFetch. It was a challenge for our to team make such a commercial because the promotional video had to be quick and concise, that should only last under a minute. Everyone in our team had a job to do: some wrote down what the characters would say, some pretended to be the characters, some recorded the video, and some put it all together. We decided to film on campus because most of the people who would use WeFetch are students. It was really sunny that day, but we kept going until we finished. Our video isn't just catchy; it also helps people feel like they know the characters in it. That makes them curious about WeFetch.

Embracing WeFetch: Student Enthusiasm and Convenience

But we didn't stop there. We wanted to know what other students thought about WeFetch. During midterms, we went around talking to students at CMU. We showed them how WeFetch works and asked what they thought about it. To make things quicker, we split into smaller groups, like we did before. Today, on April 23, 2024, Majority of the interviewees were eager to download our app and join our user community. They expressed enthusiasm for the convenience WeFetch offers, especially appreciating its value for busy students who don't have much time to spare. We finished all our talks. We got a lot of good feedback that we can use to make WeFetch even better.

[rawiwrites]

Conversations That Matter: Exploring the Heartbeat of Your Users - A Journey into Customer Validation Interviews

Following the nod from our instructor after a successful pitch for our app, WeFetch, and the anticipation building up for our final midterms presentation, our team eagerly dived into the heart of our user community. We split into pairs, just like we did before, aiming for a more intimate connection with our potential customers scattered around the Central Mindanao University (CMU) campus.

Wandering through the grounds, we were fortunate to engage in candid conversations with various individuals, each sharing their unique insights on WeFetch. Our app, inspired by the likes of Angkas and FoodPanda, aims to go beyond conventional boundaries, offering an array of services such as transportation, food delivery, and even the option to send personalized items to someone special. The richness of our interviews went beyond a mere exchange of opinions; it delved into the potential impact of WeFetch on people's lives. The heartening feedback we received during these conversations echoed the sentiment that WeFetch isn't just about services; it's about creating opportunities. Whether you're a student looking for a part-time gig or someone seeking full-time employment, WeFetch opens its doors, provided you have a driver's license and get the green light from our system.

Amidst the positive vibes, we also encountered valuable suggestions, particularly around the user interface. Some shared concerns about the potential learning curve, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that WeFetch is effortlessly navigable for everyone. This feedback resonated with us, underlining the need to make our app not just innovative but also inclusive.

One standout theme that emerged was the impact WeFetch could have on student life. The convenience it offers, especially for those with dorms situated far from the campus or those attending night classes, struck a chord. Beyond being a job provider, WeFetch became a beacon of safety, ensuring that students could book a ride or service anytime, anywhere within Central Mindanao University.

These conversations weren't just about data collection; they were about building connections, understanding stories, and weaving the human experience into the fabric of WeFetch. As we gear up for our final pitch, these encounters continue to guide us, making WeFetch not just a technological solution but a human-centric one.

[rawiwrites]

Venture Expedition: immersion unveils solution

Ever contemplated the source of ingenious ideas wielded by entrepreneurs ? Allow me to provide insight into the methods employed by these innovators, particularly exemplified by students from Central Mindanao University's College of Engineering, specifically the Civil Engineering Department. Here, within the academic realm, we emerge as entrepreneurs crafting solutions that address the intricacies of daily challenges, showcasing the dynamic fusion of creativity and engineering acumen.

Initially, our approach involved meticulous planning to gather data efficiently. Employing a data service as a guide, we conducted face-to-face interviews to glean insights from the interviewees. This method allowed us to delve into the challenges faced within the university setting, unraveling both institutional issues and personal concerns of the individuals we interacted with.

Initially, our approach involved meticulous planning to gather data efficiently. Employing a data service as a guide, we conducted face-to-face interviews to glean insights from the interviewees. This method allowed us to delve into the challenges faced within the university setting, unraveling both institutional issues and personal concerns of the individuals we interacted with.

The data gathering and interviews commenced on January 23, 2024, at the campus. The team strategically divided into smaller groups, each comprising two members, to efficiently cover all the colleges within Central Mindanao University. This approach enabled us to engage with a total of 100 interviewees, garnering valuable insights and collecting 100 responses in the process.

With the mounting number of interviews, we discerned a confluence of issues prevalent within the university, with transportation, financial security, canteen services, and waste management standing out as major concerns for a significant portion of students. Armed with this data, we committed to addressing multiple challenges concurrently. After careful consideration and consultation with our professor, our innovative solution, capable of tackling three distinct problems simultaneously, garnered a green light to proceed.