Empowering the next wave of entrepreneurs
In Summary
- Swinburne relaunches the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship
- Course offerings available from Semester 1, 2017
- Strong focus on industry engagement
As the job market continues to change at a rapid pace, Swinburne is leading the way in developing the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
This year, the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE) will relaunch at the university’s Hawthorn campus, led by the refreshed Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MEI).
With a focus on industry engagement, the MEI will combine design-thinking, creativity, technology transfer, opportunity discovery and business model innovation.
The collaborative nature of the course will allow students to do field work with industry mentors and be supported as they launch their own ventures.
Faculty of Business and Law Executive Dean Professor Michael Gilding says courses offered within AGSE will be relevant to start-ups, small to medium enterprises, large corporations, social enterprises and not for-profit organisations.
“The courses are structured to be practical, with many students using the units offered as a way to develop, improve and validate their own ideas.”
A rich history of entrepreneurship education
Professor Gilding says the school will draw on its years of entrepreneurship education experience and its value to the innovation economy.
“Swinburne introduced entrepreneurship education in 1975 and the AGSE was Australia’s first dedicated school when it opened in 2001.
“Our industry links are extensive and our courses are taught by academics who are still practising in their field. This is a huge benefit to students who are creating business solutions or developing new business ideas.”
Supportive environment
The refreshed AGSE courses will include short introductory modules designed to get students up to speed with postgraduate study.
“We understand that, for many students, going back to university can be a daunting thought. We want students to feel supported right from the start,” Professor Gilding says.
Students also will be offered one-on-one career planning meetings with academic staff, as well as networking opportunities, events and seminars.
“So much of a course in entrepreneurship is about the people you meet and the networks you form. The Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship is a hub for collaboration, where you can develop your own set of contacts.”