Carsheen Claire V. Encontro BSPS 4B OPMELECT2 BAOM 4G May 12, 2023 My Entrepreneurial Journey: Lessons, Strength, and Weaknesses Taking operational management courses for almost three years has created a more immense opportunity for me to widen my knowledge and experience things in relation to business. Hence, one of the lessons I have significantly learned, particularly in relation to this Entrepreneurship course, is a deep understanding of how businesses operate. I have learned about topics such as finance, marketing, and supply chain management, and also a glimpse of concepts of human resources management. I believe that this is a crucial skill for any entrepreneur, as it will help in making informed decisions about how to run a business. Thus, personally, If I understand how different aspects of a business work together, such as finance, marketing, supply chain management, and human resources, I can develop a more comprehensive and effective business strategy. Like for example, I may be able to identify ways to reduce costs in my supply chain, develop marketing campaigns that resonate with the target audience, or hire and manage employees more effectively. Moreover, another strength that I have developed is the ability to think strategically. In this course, we were given the chance to establish our own small business thus our group named it Sewstain. During our selling period, this skill became invaluable in helping us set a clear vision for our mini enterprise and develop a roadmap for success. We were able to identify gaps in the market and develop a unique product or service that meets the target audience's needs. Hence, strategic thinking is an important skill for any entrepreneur, because based on first-hand experience, it enabled us to make better decisions and take calculated risks for our small business. Of course, along the way, it is inevitable to encounter some weaknesses or challenges. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is the need for more skills and talent. It can be difficult to start a business from scratch, and you may need to rely on your own skills and resources to get things off the ground. But I am grateful to my groupmates for making everything easier to manage. We made it enjoyable as possible and communicated well to compensate for our challenges and give solutions to our problems. Another potential weakness is a lack of experience. Although my classes have given me a background in business, I understand that nothing can replace actual work experience. I understand that as I start my entrepreneurial path, I can run across scenarios that I've never seen before, and I'll need to be ready to pick things up quickly and adjust to new problems. I intend to approach these circumstances with an open mind and the desire to learn from both my own mistakes and those of others. I also recognize the value of getting advice from experienced business owners who have faced similar difficulties. I can gather important knowledge and stay away from typical traps by taking notes on their experiences and insights. Hence, while a student studying entrepreneurship may find themselves lacking in experience it may also be a chance for development and learning. I am certain that by remaining open-minded, seeking mentorship, and accepting new challenges, I will be able to develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed as an entrepreneur.