Student Spotlights

CONNOR JONES | COMMERCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I hope to secure a local job so I can implement the knowledge and skills I learned in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship while continuing to make an impact in Tallahassee.

What is your favorite memory from your time at FSU? My favorite memory from my time at FSU was in 2019 when many of my church friends and I went to a beach weekend at Panama City Beach. It was a time of great fun and laughter, and I am forever grateful for that weekend.

What is the most valuable thing you learned while in the Jim Moran College? One of the most valuable things I learned during my time in the Jim Moran College was taught to me by a guest speaker in one of my classes, Jay Revell. He taught me that the popular saying "in business it ' s not what you know, it ' s who you know " is only half of the truth. What matters on top of who you know is " who thinks of you and why?" This question is profound and gives me great motivation to make sure the people I work with will remember me when they need someone with my skillset.

What advice would you give to incoming students? For any incoming student, remember that it ' s not the end of the world if you don ' t know what you want to do in life or what business you want to start at 21 or 22. The more experience in entrepreneurship you have, the more wisdom you will gain, and for many that will take time.

What surprised you most about this major? What surprised me the most about this major was learning how much an up-and-coming business owner needs to consider when planning his/her business. Finding a potential solution to a problem that can be lucrative is only the first of many steps one needs to take before making their first dollar. A business presents many challenges, and that ' s what makes an entrepreneur ' s journey that much more exciting.

Who within the Jim Moran College impacted you the most? Every one of my professors has impacted me in my entrepreneurial journey thus far, and I could not be more thankful for their wisdom and knowledge. Two particular professors, however, spurred my passion for business more than most. They are Bob Garner and Blake Geoghagan. These men truly care about their students, and it shows. Thank you, Mr. G and Professor Garner, your teaching has made me a better man and will continue to do so.

Help us make our mark on FSU history!

In honor of the contribution from Jan Moran and The Jim Moran Foundation, the JMC is raising funds to create a stained glass window in FSU’s prestigious Heritage Museum, located in Dodd Hall. Please consider supporting us in this campaign.

SHANNON MELLISH | RETAIL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

What is your favorite thing about the JMC/Major so far? My favorite thing about the major so far is how many opportunities that are presented to us throughout the semester. I really feel that the teachers have your best interest at heart and really try to connect with you retailers to get internships with. I had teachers help me before the career fair and look at my resume as well as help reach out to retailers I told them I was interested in. They do a good job with setting up sessions with representatives from companies to get to know more about who you would like to intern for.

What are your career goals? Realistically, I would like to be a buyer for a company I enjoy working for and would love to incorporate traveling into my job as well. This is something I have been interested in since I came into college and fashion is always something I have been super passionate about.

What have you enjoyed most this fall? This fall I have really enjoyed having a position at Clutch Magazine, Florida State University ' s premier fashion magazine. I am currently a Stylist for the magazine which means for each section of the magazine the director shows us what kind of theme they want for their spread and the Stylists go out and pick what the models will wear that correlates with the theme. We see out the outfits from the fitting to the shoots. Clutch does an amazing job, you wouldn ' t even believe it is student run. It is a place where people with different creative ideas can come together and make something amazing. It truly is a positive environment, and everyone feels like family.

What are your plans after graduation? I have applied to several incubators targeted in the Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX areas in effort to acquire seed funding and progress my start-up, Roccus Technologies, in a growing tech environment.

PETER WOODLEY | GRADUATE STUDENT |

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

What is the most valuable thing you learned while in the Jim Moran College? The most valuable skill I can reflect on learning is the power of network. Opportunities will always make themselves available to individuals that make themselves available to opportunities.

Who within the Jim Moran College impacted you the most? Ron Frazier has been a valuable mentor and friend throughout my tenure in the JMC grad program. From class to 1v1 business sessions, I feel Frazier has always invested 100 percent into my progress as a person and entrepreneur through his expertise, network, and mentorship.

What advice would you give to incoming students? I’d advise rising graduate students to consider what value and/or identity they ’d want to bring to a company or establish in their own start-up after this program. Take time to discover career paths or start-up opportunities that are relevant to the value one wishes to offer and utilize the JMC staff and community to bridge connections they may have as well.