In a world shaped by rapid technological change, environmental urgency and global competition, what sets graduates apart? At NC State University, the answer lies in a bold vision: equip every student, not just business majors, with the tools to learn, lead and innovate. At the heart of this mission is the Business Entrepreneurship Minor at Poole College of Management.

This is not your typical business add-on. The Business Entrepreneurship Minor is a dynamic, interdisciplinary program that teaches students how to lead with creativity, resilience and tech fluency in a world that is constantly evolving, as well as how to launch ventures.

Core Skills for the Future: What Employers Want

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, employers are increasingly seeking graduates who combine entrepreneurial thinking with technological and human-centered competencies. By 2030, skills such as AI and big data, creative thinking, resilience, leadership and systems thinking are expected to grow in demand.

The Business Entrepreneurship Minor directly aligns with these demands. Through courses like MIE 209: Survey of Entrepreneurship and MIE 309: Entrepreneurship Skills for Non-Majors, students learn AI principles, systems thinking, leadership and resilience; skills that are rapidly becoming essential across industries.“We’re not just preparing students to pitch an idea,” said Jenn Woodhull-Smith, professor of entrepreneurship. “We’re helping them think creatively, manage complexity and lead in the environments where AI, design and cybersecurity matter.”

Technology + Entrepreneurship = Career Power

As shown in the survey’s graphic, skills like AI and Big Data, Networks and Cybersecurity, Programming, and Design/User Experience are all increasing significantly in expected use by 2030 — these are not just for tech majors anymore.

The minor ensures students have literacy and context for these domains, even if they are not experts. From understanding how AI impacts consumer behavior to integrating environmental sustainability into new ventures, students graduate with tech-savvy business agility.“This minor is where we connect the dots–between creative minds and technical tools, between sustainability and strategy,” said Steve Markham, executive director of innovation and entrepreneurship. “It’s the foundation for the future of work.”

Designed to Get Students Hired

Employers today are looking for more than GPAs — they want adaptable, entrepreneurial thinkers who can collaborate across disciplines and manage uncertainty. Students in the Business Entrepreneurship Minor build portfolio-ready projects, pitch to real investors and mentors and gain hands-on experience with tools like AI, design thinking and data analysis. Along the way, they develop the leadership skills and resilience needed to recognize and pursue opportunities in any field.

Whether a student goes on to lead innovation inside a Fortune 500 firm, start their own company or join a startup, this minor gives them a career edge that lasts well beyond graduation.

Who Can Join?

The Entrepreneurship Minor is open to students across all NC State colleges and majors. It’s especially valuable for students in:

• STEM fields seeking leadership and commercialization experience
• Design and humanities majors wanting to launch products or social ventures
• Business students and social science majors looking to stand out in a competitive job market

Entrepreneurship is no longer a niche skill — it’s becoming an essential one. Through the Poole College Business Entrepreneurship Minor, NC State is preparing students not just for their first job, but for the future of work and that future is already here.

Learn more about how to apply through your advisor or contact poole_minors@ncsu.edu.