Entrepreneurship and Business Acumen for Energy Engineering Students

Within higher education, there is a general trend that students in science-related fields (e.g. engineering, energy, biological sciences, chemistry, etc.) focus on the necessary skills of their field but do not engage in training in business strategies and processes. As a result, scientists may struggle entering into, and progressing through, management positions. This chapter focuses on the business aspects of entrepreneurship that energy engineers should develop. Technical concepts of product management, marketing, financial models, and business structures are included with interpersonal skills of leadership, teamwork, creativity, and of introspection. Inclusion of these concepts will enhance scientists’ training and provide a supporting structure to help them lead in industry settings.