Career Reinvention Tactics

Check out: Entrepeneurship Week at Stanford University 

Just because some of us may be hurting doesn't mean everyone is - insert Wall Street CEOs with a side eye. So you may need to retrain for a different career than the one you've held or perhaps this is the time to step into what you've always wanted to do. Starting February 18th Stanford University is offering one component that's part of a National Entrepeneurship Week USA (as well as a Global initiative). So check your local school to find out if they're participating. It's geared towards students as well as the general public - people who wish to be innovative and adapt 21st century tactics. 

This is especially important because the United States no longer manufactures products like during the Industrial age and post-WWII. We are consumers and borrowers of large amounts of debt - which is why we're in this economic mess. Oh and let's not forget the Military Industrial Complex. 

I want to explore looking for solutions and taking actions to force inertia and not giving in to negativity and worry. Here's a few sample programs that look very interesting.

2/24 Tuesday
"Startup 101" Job Fair
Noon-4:00 PM, Tresidder Union

Explore job opportunities with over 101 startups and larger companies looking for entrepreneurial talent. Employers represent a wide range of industries, from Web 2.0 to cleantech, medical devices, and biotech. Raffle prizes will be given away throughout the event.

Employers should register here for an exhibition space. 

Host: A partnership of several student entrepreneurship groups on campus and The Career Development Center

Entrepreneurship Mixer

5:00-7:00 PM, Graduate School of Business (GSB), South Building, Lower Arbuckle Lounge

Network with students, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and other members of the entrepreneurship community, while enjoying complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages. This loosely structured event will help ensure that you get an opportunity to talk to others in your field of interest.

Host: GSB Entrepreneur Club

Creativity Challenge: James Bond Casino Caper

7:30-9:30 PM, Top Secret Location

Dress as your favorite James Bond character (or not) and join us for a glamorous soiree while mingling with the stars and enjoying Blackjack, Craps and other casino favorites. Sometime during the evening your entrepreneurial spirit will be put to the test, and you may just be blown away. Come armed with your creativity and sense of adventure. Space is limited to the first 35 people.

Host: Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP)

2/25 Wednesday

Annual GSB Entrepreneurship Conference

11:00 AM-4:00 PM, Graduate School of Business

This intensive session addresses practical issues associated with creating sustainable businesses. It features speakers and panels for aspiring and early stage entrepreneurs. There is a fee for this event, and registration is required (http://www.econference.org/).

Host: Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Graduate School of Business

"The Next Big Thing": A special presentation of the Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Lecture Series

4:30-6:00 PM, Kresge Auditorium

Featured Speakers:

Tim Draper, Founder and a Managing Director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson

Tony Perkins, CEO, AlwaysOn

Michael Moe, Founding Partner, ThinkPanmure, and Author (Finding the Next Starbucks: How to Identify and Invest in the Hot Stocks of Tomorrow)

As part of the Entrepreneurship Week closing finale, find out what the hot entrepreneurial opportunities are today and tomorrow, as three of the most forward-looking and insightful thought leaders in Silicon Valley weigh in. They'll debate, argue and discuss their way through an analysis of where technology is going and where to start placing your bets. An audience Q&A will follow. We'll also announce the winners of the 2008 Bike Safety Invention Challenge and feature special highlights from throughout Entrepreneurship Week.

Host: Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP) and Business Association of Stanford Entpreneurial Students (BASES), the Stanford Biodesign Program