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With an influx of new entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem, the question arises: Is current business education adequately prepared for the entrepreneurial challenges students will face? The past decade has seen an incredible rise in entrepreneurship around the world. Since 2004, approximately 16 million new business applications have been adopted, with an astounding 85% increase in average monthly flows compared to pre-2021 levels. This surge highlights a major shift in the business environment and has prompted a critical re-evaluation of traditional business education methods.
Running a business requires hands-on experience. So, the new and pertinent question is, “Why shouldn’t business be taught by building a business?” This question is the cornerstone of a paradigm shift in entrepreneurship education. Learning business by doing business around the world emerges as the next revolution. This ensures and fosters adaptability, resilience, and cultural competence – essential traits in today’s interconnected global marketplace. Breaking away from traditional curricula, Tetr College of Business has launched a bachelor’s degree program in Management and Technology with an emphasis on experiential learning. The program offers a global, hands-on learning experience where students apply classroom teachings to build ventures.
Encountering Tetr: A paradigm shift
Tetr goes beyond traditional lectures, slides, grades, exams and books to fundamentally challenge the status quo. Tetr College of Business aims to revolutionize business education by offering globally minded programs with an emphasis on experiential learning. Students launch real ventures whose success is measured not by exam grades or assignment grades, but by the tangible results of their business acumen: real revenue generated and real customer satisfaction. Their innovative model is supported by a world-class academic council with renowned names such as Dr. Viney Sawhney (Harvard Professor), Faverie Stephane (Estee Lauder), Nitin Gaur (Stanford Professor), Dr. Edward Rogers (ex-NASA), Manoj Kohli (ex-Softbank) and Dr. Syon Bhanot (Wharton).
Learning by doing: The global classroom
Tetr focuses on laying the foundations through experiential learning where students dive into the world of entrepreneurship, launching e-commerce stores, developing innovative apps, and creating social impact projects that make a real difference. Tetr’s four-year business and technology program spans seven vibrant cities, broadening students’ horizons and preparing them to succeed in a globalized world. A focus on personal growth equips students with essential skills that go beyond the boardroom.
Tetr strategically selects seven destinations to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded business education. In Dubai, students will build their own e-commerce business while experiencing a captivating desert safari. In New Delhi, they will have the opportunity to build a D2C brand, immerse themselves in India’s vibrant startup scene, and witness the country’s rich cultural heritage. In Singapore, they will visit pioneering companies and cultural landmarks such as the Asian Civilisations Museum, and get a glimpse into the future of finance and technology. In Accra, students will witness the emergence of African entrepreneurship and take a closer look at the thriving cocoa industry. In the US, students will have the opportunity to interact with tech giants in Silicon Valley and experience the financial heart of Wall Street in New York City. The journey continues to Rio de Janeiro, where students will learn about sustainable business practices, immerse themselves in Brazil’s vibrant culture, and explore the world of luxury fashion, design, and art in Milan. To add to the academic rigor, Tetr’s programs offer students the opportunity to study at four prestigious universities during the course.
Is this the future of business education?
Though the model is still in its early stages, Tetr’s founders are confident in its scalability. Perhaps the most compelling testament to Tetr’s potential is the stories of its students. “Tetr gave me the opportunity to ‘step out of the void’ of traditional education,” says Erica, an applicant from Singapore. “I applied to Tetr because it’s one of the few universities in the world that gives me the opportunity to launch my own business and gain global exposure at the same time,” says Ryan, an applicant from Canada. Industries are in the midst of a revolution. Tetr College of Business is a step toward revolutionizing the education sector.
