Are you currently working on a startup or developing an idea for one?
Yes, I am. The name of it is called Dinder. So when you’re trying to go out to eat by yourself or with a group, it takes the accommodations and the preferences of you and everyone you’re with, and it combines them and returns all restaurants within a given radius that have all of theaccommodations and at least one preference of everyone in your group. It then returns to you ample information such as real-user reviews, average price per person and so much more allowing you to come to an informed decision as to where you want to eat. Then when it’s returned to you, everyone can just swipe left and right on the ones they want to eat left on the ones they don’t. Then when everyone matches, it returns GPS directions telling you where to go. You spend less time choosing and more time eating.
How have you demonstrated innovation or entrepreneurial skills during your time at Iowa State University?
Jeff Bull, he really likes to drill into our heads what innovation is and isn’t. And so coming into the class, into the Start Something LAS Academy, most of us thought innovation was creating something new, something profound, right? But he really emphasized that it’s more of a cycle. It’s like you find something you want to pursue, then you have to pivot a lot and you re-brainstorm and then you pitch it to people and you realize that you’re not actually hitting the right problem. Then you revamp and you go back through the cycle like eight times before you come out with a usable idea.
What are your career goals/aspirations?
I would really like to see my company grow and be able to work that full time. That would be idealistic. However, aside from that, I would really like to see myself being part of the full innovation chain at a company where I can create new ideas, brainstorm, and let my creativity shine.
What career-enhancing skills have you gained through the Start Something LAS Academy?
I think, in the most basic way, to be an engineer is to be able to problem solve. That’s essentially what an engineer is and I feel like the Start Something LAS Academy has really taken my perspective to “why is this [problem] happening” rather than the problem itself.
How do you see yourself employing a mindset of innovation throughout your career?
So, I think being able to innovate in my job is going to be crucial. I think that’s definitely going to make me stand out amongst my peers; to be able to innovate, to think critically, to be creative and take that cycle and see a problem. And being able to zoom out on a problem.
In what ways has your engagement with innovation and entrepreneurship at Iowa State shaped your perspective on the world?
When I came here as a freshman, my view was mostly: I’m going to graduate in three years. I’m going to get a job, I’m going to make a lot of money, and I’m going to be able to do whatever I want because I am an adult. Our first assignment in the Start Something LAS Academy was to notice things around you. Some people came back with things that were as simple as the bathroom door didn’t shut all the way and others were like global poverty. That’s a problem. I really appreciate looking at smaller things and learning to problem solve. Things aren’t always necessarily about me, it’s about a greater picture and how I can contribute to make the world a better place.
Why should someone be interested in joining the Start Something LAS Academy – even if they don’t want to start a business?
I think it’s so much more than starting a business. Next year we’re starting the innovation and entrepreneurship tracks. When I came in, I told Jeff that I would be a terrible CEO, but I do really enjoy innovating. I enjoy creating, I enjoy having ideas. So even if someone doesn’t have a business or doesn’t want to start a business, I think it’s so valuable to learn to critically think and to be able to notice the problems around you. No one wants a robot in the workplace – noticing problems that are happening around you and having the desire to do something about it is huge.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in innovation, but doesn’t know where to start?
I think there are on campus resources that are just amazing and beautiful. Get connected – meet people, meet professors. If someone wanted to start innovating, I’d just say to start having ideas and someone will want to hear them and someone knows where to point you.