Learn by doing, lead by example

What does it take to become an entrepreneur? Abigail Richner thought she knew the answer — and was convinced she didn’t have it. The engineering management senior saw entrepreneurship as an all-or-nothing personality trait until S&T’s programs showed her otherwise.

The Badges of Entrepreneurial Excellence program was created to recognize the achievements of students working beyond the classroom. Richner is one of the first students to earn all five badges: leadership, design and build, research, social responsibility and entrepreneurship.

“The area I’ve grown in the most through the program has been my understanding of what it means to be involved in innovation,” Richner says. “Before my involvement, I viewed so much of entrepreneurship and leadership as absolutes: you either had them or you didn’t.”

Before the program, Richner didn’t think she was the type of person to ever begin a startup.

“Through this program, however, I learned that entrepreneurship encompasses creativity, drive and adaptability,” Richner says.

“Through this program, however, I learned that entrepreneurship encompasses creativity, drive and adaptability,”

That same mindset carried over into the other focus areas of the program, where she realized that entrepreneurship isn’t an all-or-nothing personality trait, but rather a skill set that can be learned and applied in various situations.

“The program gave me more tools to solve problems I may face at various points in my education and career,” she says. “I completed all five badges before graduation, and I am thrilled to have had the opportunity.”

Through the Kummer Vanguard Scholars program, Richner has grown her leadership skills and overall confidence by mentoring high school students, engaging in educational and social events and connecting with industry professionals.

“The program really was the biggest factor in helping me ‘learn by doing’ when it comes to developing skills,” she says. “I have confidence and know that my unique experience will help me accelerate in the roles I step into.”

Richner has accepted a job as project engineer at Tarlton Corp. in St. Louis.

“I’m grateful for the confidence, tools and connections that the Kummer Vanguard Scholars and Badges of Entrepreneurial Excellence programs have given me,” she says.

Learn more about the Badges of Entrepreneurial Excellence program at go.mst.edu/badges.