CDH Business Department Announces Center for Entrepreneurship
October 10, 2023
Cretin-Derham Hall is thrilled to announce our new Innovation and Entrepreneurship initiative, CDH NEXT. CDH NEXT is a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership for CDH students, faculty and alumni. CDH NEXT fosters critical thinking, inventive communication, and inclusive engagement to develop impactful leaders for the 21st century.
Why CDH NEXT?
The world in which our students will become professionals is evolving at an incredibly rapid rate. Organizations seek individuals with strong communication skills, well-developed interpersonal abilities, proficient writing capabilities, high emotional intelligence, and empathy. Besides having a thoughtful understanding of the past, and a practical appreciation of math, science, and language skills, students will also need knowledge about artificial intelligence, software coding, and all sorts of tech platforms and apps. It doesn’t stop there. As we’ve seen the acceleration of trends during the pandemic, things will continually change, and students will need to be adaptable, lifelong learners.
Specifically in the Business/Entrepreneurship Department, CDH NEXT will focus on entrepreneurship and innovation emphasizing professional skills that can be difficult to teach but essential to learn. Students will practice brainstorming, explore collaboration techniques, craft communication strategies, and build networking opportunities. Every business student will graduate with a digital resume or portfolio, a curated LinkedIn profile, and professional writing and communication skills.
Classes will center on real-world examples, fostering 21st-century skills with a particular focus on critical thinking challenges and role-play scenarios. Moreover, they will emphasize the iterative and inventive process, collaborating closely with the Ryan STEM Center, now an integral part of CDH NEXT, to create prototypes and conduct testing.
In addition, we will explore project management approaches that are relevant to businesses in the digital world. This will include an introduction to Agile methodologies and how they can be applied to software development, as well as an overview of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, which can help businesses streamline processes and reduce waste. We will delve into emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI and how they are transforming various industries.
CDH NEXT aims to delve into the vital skills and concepts required for the creation and management of successful businesses, placing particular emphasis on ethical decision-making and the pursuit of making a positive impact on the world.
Anne Dougherty, Chair of CDH NEXT, is inspired by the level of innovation driving business all over the world. “Technology is exploding right now and it's changing how we think about education, how we use emerging tools, and our understanding of the skills our students need to make a positive impact in the world," explained Dougherty. "I believe we must double down on teaching the human skills that drive collaboration and innovation. We're looking to find ways to do the following:
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Foster creativity and critical thinking: We want to encourage students to think creatively, explore new ideas, and develop problem-solving skills.
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Develop entrepreneurial skills: Entrepreneurship involves identifying opportunities, taking calculated risks, and developing a business mindset.
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Encourage initiative and self-motivation: Entrepreneurship empowers individuals to take initiative, be self-starters, and pursue their ideas.
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Bridge the gap between education and the real world: This series of classes provide practical, hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.
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Nurture leadership and teamwork: Entrepreneurship involves collaboration and teamwork. Through the series, students can develop their leadership skills, learn to work in teams, and understand the importance of effective communication and collaboration.
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Promote future career opportunities: Students who develop a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship may pursue higher education in related fields or even start their own ventures.
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Inspire innovation and social impact: By promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, the series can inspire students to address real-world problems and create positive change.
Dougherty is a collaborator and innovator at heart with a diverse professional background. She has raised venture capital, started a nonprofit, founded STEM and entrepreneurship programs, and now with her family, owns an historic resort in the Park Rapids area and teaches business classes at CDH. “Working with high school students has been a highlight of my career,” said Dougherty. “By nurturing their strengths and providing the necessary support, we can help them become the leaders, innovators, and problem solvers of tomorrow. And what's more important than that right now?”