PAVING THE “PATH to entrepreneurial success,” the Management and Entrepreneurship Society (ManSoc) initiated a mentorship program titled “Entrep Mentors Meet Future Entrepreneurs,” last February 13 at the Lydia Tan Sy Building grounds.
As products of entrepreneurship programs from prestigious schools in the Philippines, with some even hailing from San Beda University’s (SBU) own business programs, the program revolved around its invited guest speakers such as Mr. Jaypee Morales, Mr. David Ramos, Ms. Pauline Kristine Fulgencio, Ms. Maj Veloso, and Dr. Fernando Trinidad, who all shared their insights and personal experiences in the business field with aspiring entrepreneurs.
The program was arranged by dividing the mentors and third to fourth-year students into four different groups, each group rotating around each mentor until all of them had the chance to meet and talk with each other.
In preparation for the curriculum-based businesses by fourth-year students and the ongoing business plans by third-year students, this program was initiated with the aim of guiding them in the eventual full implementation of their very own business on the school grounds.
ManSoc’s moderator and the Chairperson of the Department of Business Management and Entrepreneurship (DBME), Asst. Prof. Jenny de Guia, DBA, stated how she believed that “it is important din na matuto sila sa mga practitioners,” further pointing out the importance of the mentorship program to Bedan entrepreneurship students.
Besides the “transformative” conversations that “nurtured the entrepreneurial spirit” of both the speakers and students, the most significant aspect of the event was the “entrepreneurial wisdom” shared by the seasoned tycoons to the students.
In a conversation with a participant and entrepreneurship student, Mel de Vera, he expressed his own and personal insight on the program, stating, “My comprehension of business principles has expanded as a result of this direct experience, and I have also gained practical execution skills,” highlighting the effect of the mentorship program to aspiring entrepreneurship students like him.
On the other hand, one of the guest speakers and a Bedan alumnus, Mr. Morales, emphasized the importance of building relationships in the context of mentorship, expressing, “Kapag mayroon kang mentor, naga-guide ka sa tamang path. You get to learn kung ano ‘yung mga naging mistakes nila or ‘yung failures,” underscoring the need to build a rapport with fellow entrepreneurs.
The mentorship program concluded with the awarding of plaques to the mentors, followed by the closing remarks of ManSoc President, Kysha Orcullo. She expressed her gratitude to the mentors and other participants, resonating with appreciation for their invaluable contributions.
(with Lawrence Rosales)