This study was conducted to examine how first-year engineering students conceptualize the Entrepreneurial Mindset (EM) and how that conceptualization changes over the course of their first semester of college, using the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN)’s 3Cs as a starting point. Students enrolled in an introductory, multidisciplinary design course responded to biweekly reflection prompts on their educational experiences (either in high school or as a first-year college student) and related this experience to one of the 3Cs of EM: Curiosity, Connections, or Creating Value. Results indicate that students’ conceptualization of the 3Cs often align with definitions of EM from KEEN, as well as foundational works in the entrepreneurship field, and that their interpretation of each of the 3Cs does change during their first semester in college. For instance, students were less likely to write about curiosity and more likely to write about creating value at the end of the semester compared to the beginning.

No abstract

No abstract

is a student of mechanical engineering at Rowan University. She has a special interest in education, as well as issues of diversity and inclusion, both of which have pushed her to seek leadership positions wherever possible. She is a founding member of Rowan University's oSTEM chapter, and working to make Rowan's campus a safe and welcoming place for all students. Darby hopes to pursue a graduate's degree in engineering education or related fields of social and psychological sciences.