Developing Entrepreneurial Leadership in Students: An Immersive Experiential Learning Retreat

Abstract

A challenge for traditional academic methods is found in adequately preparing students for the more practical aspects of the entrepreneur’s journey. To develop these skills, experiential learning is essential. To assess its impact on the development of entrepreneurial leadership skills in students, this research developed an entrepreneurial leadership retreat. The entrepreneurial leadership retreat is an intensive, immersive learning experience specifically designed to develop essential entrepreneurial skills. Using a qualitative research approach, this research aims to select a diverse group of graduate students to participate. The research will begin with semi-structured interviews with participants before the retreat to establish baseline data on their leadership competencies and self-perceptions. Post-retreat interviews will then help assess any changes in their leadership abilities and mindset. Additionally, observational data is gathered throughout the retreat to better assess the impact of the program and students’ reactions. The learning experience integrates outdoor challenges that test physical and mental resilience, strategic planning workshops that enhance cognitive and decision-making abilities, and business simulations for a more practical result. Thematic analysis of the data allows to identify key patterns and themes related to leadership development and the specific impacts of the retreat’s activities. The experiential format aims to allow more engagements for students with the material and a more natural learning experience compared to traditional classroom-based methods. By creating an intense fun learning environment, students learn in an immersive way. By conducting this research, the objective is to contribute valuable insights to entrepreneurship education by demonstrating how experiential learning, and engaging learning are powerful tools for developing entrepreneurial leadership in students. The findings aim to encourage more experiential learning and programs that go beyond the classroom. It also seeks to inform the design of future educational programs and interventions that seek to better prepare students for leadership roles in entrepreneurial and innovation-driven settings.