Enterprise Day took place in the MUB Ballroom on Feb. 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., showcasing many of the different Enterprise teams on campus. This event is held semesterly for any students who were interested in joining the Enterprise program but didn’t know where to start.
The Enterprise program is a project based curriculum that is available to any major, with projects ranging from launching a rocket into orbit to building a concrete canoe. There were opportunities for prospective enterprise students to connect with current enterprise students and see what it is really like to be part of one of these teams. It was a great opportunity to ask questions, get advice, and learn how to get involved with the program.
A common question from students debating joining an enterprise was, “What are some of the reasons a student should join an enterprise team?” According to Nagesh Hatti, Director of the Enterprise Program and Chair of Enterprise Governing Board, “[Students] get real world experience. It is a multidisciplinary, multi-year, experiential learning program.”
When asked why students should choose Enterprise over senior design, Hatti explained that “students get to work with other students from different disciplines, whereas in senior design for the most part they work with students from one discipline or maybe an associated discipline.”
Hatti also emphasized that “students can join as early as their second semester, so even if they join as a sophomore they can have three years worth of real project experience as opposed to senior design that is usually just one year.”
Additionally Jeff Stone, the Associate Director of Industry Relations for The Enterprise Program, said, “Each [Enterprise] team functions like a business, there is work structure, purchasing, budgeting, and technical branches.”
Another common question that was asked during this event was, “Why is Enterprise important, and how can it help you in your future career?”
To help answer this question Dr. Audra Morse, Advisor for Built World Enterprise, stated, “I think Enterprise is the quintessential Michigan Tech experience and that all students should participate. It really sets you apart from students who do not participate and students from other schools.”
Dr. Morse also said, “When you are looking for your first job or your first internship, you will have the skills in order to be very successful.”
The next Enterprise Day will be held during the Fall 2026 semester around mid-September. If you have any questions about the Enterprise program, feel free to contact enterprise@mtu.edu.
