At Trent University Durham, students are learning the fine art of entrepreneurship through a rich collaboration between academia, business and community. Bottom line: the future is looking bright. “We have a responsibility to positively contribute to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of ‘the new Durham,’” says Joe Muldoon, head of Trent University Durham. “Our strengths in the social sciences and humanities, combined with innovative, interdisciplinary programs and the support of local, social enterprises, entrepreneurship is a natural fit for our growing campus.” 

Internship embedded with entrepreneurship 

Trent University Durham English Literature graduate, Lana Nolan-Bolton, recently completed an internship experience of a lifetime at the Community Innovation Lab. As one of Trent’s many trusted partners, the local, non-profit organization offers entrepreneurial, experiential and social innovation programs for young people. 

As part of the internship opportunity offered through Trent University Durham’s Business Administration program, which is open to students in all disciplines, Ms. Nolan-Bolton was tasked with conducting research for a women’s entrepreneurship-based project and on the new Communications & Critical Thinking B.A. program offered exclusively at Trent University Durham. Through the internship, she gained vital experience to move her forward in her career. All on home turf. 

“I loved researching for Trent University because the new program is fantastic and I am passionate about integrating community-based learning into studies,” says Ms. Nolan-Bolton. “Through this internship, I increasingly understood my skills and strengths and entered my graduate program in Public Service this fall with new-found confidence. I also developed a base of connections and mentors which is invaluable for a young graduate.” 

The role of universities in supporting social innovation 

Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Nolan-Bolton says she understands now, more than ever, that post-secondary institutions are important to their communities and should support social innovation and entrepreneurship while, at the same time, preparing students for future success. 

“Social innovation and entrepreneurship advocate and work toward a better future for everyone,” she says. “In light of high youth unemployment, new graduates are choosing different career paths including self-employment which can be more viable. It’s great that Trent University Durham is playing a role in introducing students to and helping them succeed along other potential paths.” 

“The Durham community cares deeply about the professional success of current and future students in the region,” adds Mr. Muldoon. “With a dedicated effort on new programming and strong community partners, our University will continue to foster critical entrepreneurial thinking in our students.”  

As part of a growing list of new programs offered at the expanding Trent University Durham campus is a proposed Postgraduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship, launching in 2017. Stay tuned for details!