Students gain a wealth of technical knowledge while in school. And with that knowledge we formulate ideas to impact the world. Although our interest is genuine and in many cases our ideas are valuable, our romantic (read: naive) visions of taking over an industry in one fell swoop meet a harsh reality when we step out of the safe-haven of academia.
iMADdu allowed me the opportunity to learn the practical steps necessary to venture out on my own while minimizing the risk and damage this is oftentimes inflicted when young entrepreneurs jump heart-first off the pedestal of university life and face-plant into the U.S. open market.
Through iMADdu I have begun to understand what it takes to operate on your own in the business world. I have always wanted to start a non-profit organization that offers healthcare to people living in destitute communities. The idea is noble, needed, and is something I am passionate about; in my mind that was all that was necessary for a successful venture. I was wrong, very wrong. In retrospect it’s embarrassing how little I considered the practical implementation of my grand scheme. I never once thought of lawyers to help launch and organize my organization, or a potential group of mentors to serve on my board, funding for all the medical supplies (grants, events, merchandise), a team to work with me, accountants to assist with my finances and taxes, or space to deliver my services from. I now have a much greater understanding of what it takes to start my organization. Without iMADdu this would not have been possible and has made me a much more savvy aspiring entrepreneur.
