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The stereotype of the broke college student has been ingrained in college life for decades, and nearly all college students are trying to make a quick buck in some way. However, some students challenge this stereotype by using their entrepreneurial skills to create businesses that are more profitable than the bare minimum, while also contributing to the UC San Diego community. Did.
One of the most common questions to ask when meeting someone new in college is, “Hey, what’s your major?” At UCSD, the answer is often a STEM field. As an institution focused on the natural sciences, UCSD’s incredible resources may be ignored by those looking to pursue business or entrepreneurship.
The Rady School of Management is located between Eleanor Roosevelt College and Seventh College on the north end of campus and functions as an independent institution. In the 23 years since its founding, many ideas have been born in this hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Rady student Michael Panja, a senior at Earl Warren College, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and risk-taking, especially while in college. During his time at UCSD, he realized the need for a more streamlined version of academic advising services. He believes that services can be enhanced by using generative artificial intelligence techniques and is trying to build a platform that allows students to easily access this new form of advice.
Punja originally majored in engineering but switched to Rady to pursue his entrepreneurial passion.
“I think being a business student exposed me more to the business side of UCSD, and I think Laddie and the basement and the Design and Innovation Building provide a lot of resources,” he said.
Panja’s journey from engineering to business exemplifies the diverse paths students can take at UCSD. The university’s ecosystem fosters collaboration and encourages students to explore beyond the boundaries of their chosen major. Pandya initially pursued engineering, but discovered a passion for entrepreneurship and recognized the untapped potential within the university. With the support of resources like Rady and her DIB, Punja made the bold decision to change her major and dive headfirst into the business world.
For Panja, the appeal of entrepreneurship lies in its inherent risks and rewards. He understands that failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial process, but embraces it as an opportunity to grow and learn.
By carving their own path, students like Panja are not only shaping their own futures, but also giving back to the university community with their creativity and vision.
UCSD’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond Rady. Across campus, student-run startups are thriving, fueled by the innovative energy that is at the heart of the university.
One example is Jada Day, who graduated in 2022 as a mathematics and computer science major from Rebel University. Day founded the website Black Beauty Near You in 2019, during her junior year at UCSD. She grew up in an area where beauty products were easily available, and she felt there was a lack of stores and salons catering to La Jolla’s African American community.
Inspired by her passion for empowering communities and her own experiences, Day created Black Beauty Near You as a platform to connect people of color with beauty professionals who specialize in their unique hair and skin care needs. is created. This website features a directory of salons, stylists, and estheticians in the San Diego area, with reviews and recommendations from users who have experienced their services first-hand.
As a student at UCSD, Day recognized the lack of representation and accessibility in the beauty industry, especially for people of color. She set out on a mission to bridge this gap and create a platform where everyone feels seen and valued.
Day’s adventure quickly gained attention among UCSD students and residents of the surrounding area. Through strategic marketing efforts and word-of-mouth referrals, Black Beauty Near You has become the go-to resource for those seeking comprehensive and culturally competent beauty services.
“I’m really grateful that I was able to share that experience with all the people that were in those organizations and clubs and learn from them, because they really helped me stay alive for four years. is,” Day thought as she reflected on the support she received from the student organizations she belonged to during her time at UCSD.
Today, Black Beauty Near You continues to grow and serve as a beacon for representation and inclusivity in the beauty industry. Day’s story exemplifies how student entrepreneurship can impact not only individuals but also communities.
Building on UCSD’s entrepreneurial spirit, another notable success story is leaving its mark on the campus community. It is a popular restaurant that specializes in authentic East Asian cuisine, yet caters to a wide audience of fans. Founded by Lijun Liu from China’s Hunan province, Fanfan has become a popular food destination for students, faculty, staff, and locals.
Liu’s journey into entrepreneurship began when he arrived in the United States in search of new opportunities. He initially founded “Taste of Hunan”, a specialty restaurant serving the local cuisine of his hometown. After enrolling at Rady to earn his MBA, Liu recognized a gap in the local dining scene and realized that UCSD’s East Asian students did not have a viable means to eat the foods they were accustomed to. I noticed.
Despite facing challenges as a new entrant to the restaurant industry and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Liu’s perseverance and dedication paid off. Word spread quickly, and hungry customers flocked to taste every bite. With warm hospitality and authentic flavors, Fan Fan quickly became a popular gathering place for his UCSD community, fostering connections between students and locals and creating lasting memories.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Liu attributed much of his success to the support and resources available within UCSD, and Rady in particular.
“Lady was one of the best investments I’ve made in myself in my life,” Liu said.
As UCSD continues to cultivate and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within its students, stories like Panja, Day, and Liu serve as a reminder of the entrepreneurial potential that exists within each student. By taking advantage of the resources UCSD provides, students not only shape their futures, but also impact the UCSD community and beyond.
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