Student Spotlight: Developing a Student Business

At Grand Canyon University, the entrepreneurial spirit flows through every program. As students pursue their degree, they are encouraged to explore their passions and take initiative in their academic journey and career.

Recently, a group of students enrolled in GCU’s computer science and information technology programs have demonstrated what it means to embody this entrepreneurial spirit.

In a database class offered by the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, GCU student Bridgette Smith was inspired to create a solution for a business in need of a system that would allow them to track information about their patients and get a broader view of the trends in their region.

Smith presented this problem to her database class and to the Computer Programming Club, and was able to form a group of students willing to work on this project.

The team agreed to create a database using Microsoft Access, with a streamlined user interface to allow the employees to easily enter and receive patient data. According to the students, many products currently on the market are designed with a one-size-fits-all mentality, giving their product a competitive edge.

The opportunity for this team of highly motivated students to collaborate with a nationwide business has allowed them to gain valuable experience developing an industry-level product.

According to Smith, “The majority of our group started out with no knowledge of Access software or programming in Visual Basic for Applications, so this was a great opportunity to expand our skills in programming and databases as well as gain exposure to new platforms.”

The team was able to deliver a complete product in just 10 weeks. The product exceeded customer expectations, and they were asked to develop versions two and three. Because of their success, the team may develop into a consulting company.

On the topic of developing a student business, Smith gives this advice, “Keep an eye out for useful connections and opportunities, and make sure that you have a reliable team and are ready to commit a lot of time and effort to your business!”

Overall, this success story demonstrates how the passion of GCU students combined with the resources available to them can lead to great things. When students apply their knowledge, they can take charge of their lives and careers. In the end, not only does this give them a competitive edge when interviewing for a job, but it also gives them the opportunity to create their own job.

Grand Canyon University’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology creates a challenging and engaging learning environment for students to prepare them to enter the STEM fields. To learn more about science and technology programs at GCU, visit our website or contact us using the Request More Information button at the top of the page.

Written by Lauren Abraham, a senior earning a communications degree at GCU.