Co-authors Birgitte Wraae and Nicolai Nybye had a passion for studying entrepreneurship and its impact on individuals and organizations. Their mutual interest led them to embark on a research journey that resulted in the publication of their article, “Learning to Be “Me,” “the Team,” and “the Company” Through Entrepreneurial Extracurricular Activities: An Ethnographic Approach” in the journal Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy.
The inspiration for their research came from their personal experiences and observations of how extracurricular activities can shape an individual’s entrepreneurial mindset. As researchers, they wanted to delve deeper into understanding the role of these activities in developing an entrepreneurial mindset and how it can benefit individuals, teams, and companies.
Their article highlights the importance of hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship education, especially through extracurricular activities. It presents an ethnographic approach to studying the impact of these activities on students, using real-life examples and insights from their fieldwork.
Through their research, Wraae and Nybye discovered that extracurricular activities provide a unique learning environment for individuals to develop their entrepreneurial skills. These activities go beyond traditional classroom learning and allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. It also enables them to work in teams and learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses, a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship.
Their ethnographic approach involved immersing themselves in the entrepreneurial extracurricular activities of a university in Denmark. They observed and interviewed students, professors, and business mentors, gaining an in-depth understanding of the impact of these activities on the participants.
One of the key findings of their research was the transformation of the individual’s mindset through these activities. The participants not only gained knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship but also developed a more optimistic and proactive attitude towards challenges and failures. This mindset is essential for entrepreneurs as they face numerous obstacles on their journey.
Moreover, Wraae and Nybye’s research also highlights the benefits of extracurricular activities for teams. They observed that working in a team helped individuals to understand the importance of collaboration and communication in entrepreneurship. It also gave them an opportunity to explore and utilize their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve a common goal.
The article also sheds light on the impact of these activities on companies. Wraae and Nybye found that students who participated in these activities were more likely to become entrepreneurs or work in startups after graduation. They had a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with entrepreneurship, making them valuable assets to companies looking for innovative and entrepreneurial-minded individuals.
Overall, Wraae and Nybye’s research highlight the significance of integrating hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship education. It not only provides students with practical skills but also shapes their mindset and prepares them for the real world of entrepreneurship.
Their article has been published in the renowned journal Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy, which recognizes the importance of their research in the field of entrepreneurship education. It provides a valuable resource for educators and entrepreneurs looking to understand the impact of extracurricular activities on developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
The post publication success of their article has motivated Wraae and Nybye to continue their research in this field. They believe that their findings can be further explored to enhance the effectiveness of extracurricular activities in developing entrepreneurial skills.
In conclusion, Wraae and Nybye’s article highlights the importance of using an ethnographic approach to study the impact of entrepreneurial extracurricular activities. It not only provides valuable insights into the development of an entrepreneurial mindset but also emphasizes the need for practical experiences in entrepreneurship education. Their research has opened new avenues for understanding the role of extracurricular activities in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
