Why C3 Innovation Labs and Social Entrepreneurship?

During my time at Laurier I wanted to get more than just my degree with real life experience and skills that would allow me to succeed outside of my life at Laurier. That's when I found the Social Entrepreneurship (SE) option and the support of C3 Innovation Labs (C3IL) which allows students the opportunity to transition from studying social entrepreneurship to becoming real-world social entrepreneurs. Over 3 years in the SE option I was given the opportunity to learn about business in a way that was hands on with lots of opportunity for applying what is learned in class to real life projects. There is immense support from professors, classmates, local entrepreneurs, volunteers and city staff which made understanding the concepts for finding solutions, creating and even implementing a social venture possible. Working on real projects in the Waterloo region where you have mentors from real life non-profits in the Region and working up to launching your own venture with the support of all the connections you made over your time in the program. Although not all the projects in the second and third year classes are implemented, our ideas are heard and we are given feedback from people within that field or that have an interest within the field. The Social Entrepreneurship option has taught me a variety of skills that are necessary to excel such as organization, time management, ability to work with team members and finally how to effectively communicate with those not only at Laurier but in the community. As difficult and nerve racking as the tasks may be, professors and mentors are extremely knowledgeable and supportive to ensure that you do the best you can pushing you to reach outside of your comfort zone and find solutions to various problems. C3IL and SE gives students the tools needed to succeed through lectures, class discussions, open communication between professors and class mentors, and access to the open hours at the purpose lab located on the first floor of DAWB where they are able to collaborate with peers or work on their projects individually. During this experience I have gained experience and various opportunities to explore businesses within the Kitchener and Waterloo area. This is an amazing way to understand what is happening in the local community as well as around the world.