Yianni Constantinou’s Journey: From Student to Leader in Entrepreneurship
Yianni Constantinou, a senior at the University of Connecticut, has always had a keen interest in business. Growing up in Oxford, Connecticut, he volunteered for student council fundraisers and joined his high school’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America. This early exposure laid the foundation for what would become a significant part of his educational and professional journey.
The National Student Leadership Conference: A Catalyst for Growth
In 2019, Yianni’s mother received a pamphlet about the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), a nine-day immersive pre-college business and entrepreneurship program. Intrigued by the opportunity to learn about building a business and pitching ideas to experts, he decided to attend the program at Fordham University. The NSLC offers a variety of program offerings, including aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence, fashion management, and sports management. Students also get to hear talks from Inc. 5000 entrepreneurs and network with them. During the program, Yianni participated in business simulations, including orchestrating partnership deals for a fictitious company and a product pitch simulation.
Mentorship and Leadership: Yianni’s Return to NSLC
Yianni found the experience at the NSLC so rewarding that he returned in 2022 as a head team advisor and then again in 2023 as a program director. He values the mentorship aspect of the program and the connections he’s able to form with students. He describes the experience of seeing students grow as "incredible." This hands-on leadership experience has been invaluable for Yianni as he prepares for his future career.
The Rise of Entrepreneurship Education: A Global Perspective
The NSLC program is part of a broader trend of entrepreneurship education gaining popularity among younger generations. According to the Deloitte 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 45% of Gen Zers and 36% of millennials in the workplace now have side hustles, such as selling products online, gig work, consulting, or artistic pursuits. However, schools have been slow to adopt teaching entrepreneurship. The GEM 2023/2024 Global Report highlights that entrepreneurial education in most economies is still assessed as poor, with only five economies receiving a "satisfactory" rating.
The NSLC’s Mission: Exposing Students to Careers and Opportunities
The NSLC, founded in 1989, aims to expose students to a wide range of careers and opportunities in business and entrepreneurship. Executive Director Kristina Duffy Hochman explains that the program helps students discover their interests and skills, whether it be in finance, marketing, or other fields. For example, students who come in inspired by shows like Shark Tank often leave with a clearer understanding of their strengths and career paths. The program includes leadership coursework, company tours, and networking opportunities, all designed to provide a comprehensive experience.
Increasing Access to Entrepreneurship Education
Despite its success, the NSLC faces challenges in making its programs accessible to all students. With tuition ranging from $4,000 to $4,300, the organization distributes over $500,000 in scholarships annually. Kristina Duffy Hochman emphasizes the organization’s commitment to increasing access, stating, "Unfortunately, there are costs associated with running these programs, but we are super passionate about increasing access." This year, the program will expand to six campuses, including Columbia, Duke, the University of California at Berkeley and Los Angeles, the University of Michigan, and Yale, reaching even more students.
Overall, Yianni Constantinou’s journey through the NSLC and his continued involvement as a leader exemplify the positive impact of entrepreneurship education. programs like the NSLC are crucial in nurturing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs, providing them with the skills, mentorship, and connections needed to succeed.
