What is ESP?

ESP stands for Entrepreneurial Skills Program. It's a study option that the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) co-developed for students in their first or second year of university in any degree program, faculty or discipline who think they might want to start their own business after, or even before, graduation. If you take ESP, you can learn to use your college knowledge to create your own job! How about a physio clinic, a law office, a historical tour company, a surveying business, a private music teacher, a consulting firm--the choice is yours!

So, how does ESP work?

You don't have to take "extra" courses. ESP is part of your degree and done at the same time as your other academic studies. It takes three or four years to complete.

Step 1 is Year 1(two one-semester credits). It's the Foundation Year and features the Foundation Course. It deals with the basics of entrepreneurship. In this year, you must choose a venture you want to pursue, draft a business plan and start your own professional portfolio.

Steps 2 and 3 consist of four one-semester credits. During years 2 and 3, you designate four, one-semester courses of your degree work as ESP credits because they relate to your venture/business plan. In Steps 2 and 3, you continue to revise, improve and maintain your business plan while venturing and building your ESP portfolio.

Step 4 is the final or Capstone Year (two one-semester credits). Here, using the capstone material you'll have the opportunity to use reflection, study and activity to synthesize the total ESP experience and to move your venture forward--maybe even to the point of making money while you're still at university! Successfully complete these four steps and you'll earn a certificate in entrepreneurship!

Do I have to take more courses to get this certificate?

There are three answers to your question. 1) No you don't! 2) The one-year Foundation Course is part of a business, management or commerce course (it depends on the university) and you must take this course. It's not "more" because you designate it as one of your degree-program electives. 3) The Capstone Year combines study with learning activities complimentary to your plan and approved by the ESP coordinator. This also qualifies as an elective course.

Be honest: is this more work?

Yes and no. In the Foundation Year, the ESP assignments you are given are also required by the business, management or commerce course you must take. In Steps 2 and 3, you continue to develop your business plan and portfolio. During this time, the university ESP Coordinator counsels you and others in the program. This counselling, combined with mentoring and the friendship and help of your peers in the program makes for a great experience.

This has possibilities! Where can I take ESP?

Currently, Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University offer the program. ESP is growing, so check back often for updates.

How much more does this cost on top of regular tuition?

$700 a year to a maximum of $2,800, over four years. In the first, second and third year of the program, CEED acquired scholarships for participants. We'll always be trying to get funding for scholarships, so check the website often and ask your guidance counsellor.

But Hey! Scholarship or no scholarship, being able to follow and build your dreams and create your own job is worth its weight in gold!