Uniting Tailgating and Teamwork at Game Day Ventures
Earlier this month, Penn State’s Engineering Entrepreneurship Program celebrated the success of its annual Game Day Ventures event, an initiative designed to engage students in hands-on entrepreneurial experiences. The event serves as a platform for students to innovate and collaborate, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship.
The Inspiration Behind Game Day Ventures
Brad Groznik, an entrepreneurship professor and creator of Game Day Ventures, explained that his motivation stems from a desire to make entrepreneurship more accessible to students. Many young adults often associate entrepreneurship with high-profile figures like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, which can create a sense of intimidation. Groznik emphasized that entrepreneurship encompasses much more than these extreme examples, and he aims to redefine what it means to be an entrepreneur.
The inspiration for Game Day Ventures came when Groznik learned about the co-founders of Crossnet, a unique volleyball game that combines elements of Foursquare and traditional volleyball. Their relatable story of starting from a simple idea and iterating on it struck a chord with Groznik. He realized that instead of creating a beach game, students could develop tailgate games, capitalizing on Penn State’s renowned tailgating culture, which is part of a multibillion-dollar industry across the US for collegiate football alone.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Game Day Ventures provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world context. The event emphasizes that the first prototypes students build are often far from perfect, mirroring the challenges of actual product development. Students encounter issues ranging from design flaws to gameplay mechanics, allowing them to engage in the iterative process of refining their ideas.
Throughout the event, participants learned that resilience and adaptability are key traits for aspiring entrepreneurs. The experience encourages students to embrace the learning journey, understanding that every successful product evolves through trial and error.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Structured as a team-based assignment, Game Day Ventures fosters collaboration among students. The tight deadlines and creative pressures often lead to conflicts, both in terms of ideas and team dynamics. However, these challenges are viewed as valuable learning experiences that help students develop important interpersonal skills.
Teams that navigate conflict effectively often find themselves achieving greater success. After the competition, students engage in reflective discussions about their teamwork dynamics, gaining insights into how they can improve their collaboration in future projects. This reflection not only prepares them for real-world scenarios but also deepens their understanding of teamwork in an entrepreneurial context.
Celebrating Success Stories
Throughout the event, many memorable moments and success stories emerged. One team developed a unique twist on a traditional bean bag game, which involved throwing bags onto a scale. Initially facing significant challenges with their prototype, the team demonstrated resilience and ingenuity by redesigning their game. Their hard work paid off, as they ultimately tied for first place in the competition.
A Philosophy of Learning by Doing
At the heart of Game Day Ventures is a philosophy that emphasizes experiential learning. Participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and take risks, reflecting the true essence of entrepreneurship. The high-pressure environment of the event fosters creative thinking and problem-solving, allowing students to immerse themselves in the entrepreneurial experience.
By prioritizing learning by doing, Game Day Ventures equips students with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. The event not only enhances their understanding of product development but also instills a sense of confidence in their ability to tackle real-world challenges.
Game Day Ventures exemplifies the commitment of Penn State’s Engineering Entrepreneurship Program to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. By fostering a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration, the program empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs to explore their creativity and pursue their dreams. As the event concluded, participants reflected on the valuable lessons learned, inspired to continue their entrepreneurial journeys long after leaving the classroom.
