Each August, the new incoming class of Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) begin their training at Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST).
The third group of EITs, the class of 2011, started at MEST this month. Their goal: learn how to start a software company that sells to international markets.
As I looked at these eager new EITs, I realized they were all very excited about the awesome opportunity that lay in front of them. They each had the ability to showcase their skills while proving to the world that talent does exists in Ghana. So I wondered if they also felt a bit overwhelmed with the challenge of it all, or even doubtful or intimidated.
As the Senior Faculty member for the class of 2009, I have been working with EITs for the past 18 months, and last week I offered my advice to the class of 2011.
This is what I told them:
First of all, it is really hard for both you and I to predict who will be successful… but I have a perspective on what can increase your chances of success at MEST.
Let me tell you a story. When I was 21 years old, the thing I wanted most in the world was to ride my bike across the US. An organization, Bikecentennial , offered trips as a way to celebrate the bicentennial of the US. They were very expensive and way beyond my means. How could I possibly get to go on one of these trips?
I saw an ad from Bikecentennial looking for trip leaders. Could this be…
