Empowering Entrepreneurship Through Education

Education has always had the power to shape lives, but how does it influence entrepreneurial and innovative self-beliefs?

That’s the question I sought to answer in my master’s thesis, done in collaboration with the Designing Education Lab at Stanford University. The journey began with a survey of 136 alumni from the Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM), an elite interdisciplinary program in Munich. By tracking their career paths from graduation to their current roles, I uncovered some pretty remarkable trends in entrepreneurship, innovation, and career development. Here’s what I found.

 From Employee to Entrepreneur: A 10% Surge in Self-Employment

What stood out the most was the 10% jump in alumni turning to self-employment after gaining work experience in established firms. This finding was a testament to how CDTM’s curriculum ignites a spark in students, giving them the confidence and skills to pursue entrepreneurship. While most alumni initially opted for the safety net of traditional employment, the call to innovate and create on their own terms became irresistible as their entrepreneurial self-efficacy grew.

In simpler terms, CDTM is much more than an academic program—it’s a launchpad for those ready to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. The practical, hands-on projects, combined with a supportive network, make it easy for students to see that starting a business is not just possible but also within reach.

Career Trajectories: Product Management Leads the Pack

So, where did the alumni go? Product Management emerged as the top career choice, followed by roles in IT and R&D. It’s no surprise—product management is a sweet spot for people who thrive on innovation. The CDTM program's emphasis on design thinking, agile development, and interdisciplinary collaboration prepares students to excel in roles that require them to bring ideas from concept to market.

But the impact of the program doesn’t stop there. Alumni reported using their CDTM-learned skills to excel in a range of roles, showcasing the versatility of an education steeped in entrepreneurship and innovation. Whether they’re in tech or research, they all share a drive to push boundaries.

Industry Insights: Innovation Across Diverse Sectors

Another fascinating discovery was the wide range of industries CDTM alumni are now impacting. The majority find themselves in Information Technology, Professional & Scientific Services, Consulting, Finance, and Insurance. The blend of technical expertise with business acumen makes these alumni highly adaptable, allowing them to contribute across multiple sectors.

Many alumni working in consulting and finance have become intrapreneurs—leaders driving innovation within established companies. It’s here that their entrepreneurial mindset thrives, even when they’re not building startups from scratch.

The Global Impact: A 9% Jump in International Careers

CDTM not only prepares students for careers in innovation but also for leadership roles on a global scale. The study revealed a 9% increase in alumni pursuing international opportunities compared to their initial roles. This speaks volumes about the program’s global outlook and the ability it gives students to tackle challenges beyond borders.

From Silicon Valley to Singapore, CDTM alumni are applying what they learned in Munich to create global change. And that’s the beauty of an interdisciplinary program—it equips students to navigate complex environments with ease, whether they’re launching ventures or spearheading projects at multinational companies.

About CDTM: The Innovation Incubator

The CDTM curriculum emphasizes real-world experience, interdisciplinary teamwork, and leadership—all essential ingredients for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The core courses—Trend Seminar, Managing Product Development (MPD), and Entrepreneurship Laboratory (eLab)—prepare students to face real-world challenges by working on projects with industry partners. These courses instill confidence in students, equipping them with the skills to lead innovation-driven projects in any sector.

Self-Beliefs in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The heart of my thesis was to explore how education fosters entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and innovation self-efficacy (ISE)—two core beliefs that influence whether someone sees themselves as capable of innovating or starting a business. Among the 136 alumni surveyed, founders scored significantly higher in entrepreneurial self-efficacy, while innovation self-efficacy was evenly distributed between founders and non-founders. This suggests that while the program clearly boosts confidence in entrepreneurship for some, it also prepares all students to innovate, regardless of their career path.

This ties into the broader value of interdisciplinarity, supportive communities, and hands-on learning—elements that CDTM excels at. Alumni credited the program with more than just technical or business skills; it also fostered their personal growth, opened career opportunities, and gave them the flexibility to pivot whenever necessary.

Long-Term Impact: Thriving in Entrepreneurship

The survey also found that 39 alumni were actively pursuing entrepreneurship at the time of the survey. These alumni are not just business founders—they are problem solvers, innovators, and leaders in their fields. CDTM’s practical approach, coupled with its supportive network, has played a significant role in shaping the entrepreneurial journeys of these graduates.

Conclusion

As a CDTM alum, I’ve seen firsthand how this program transforms mindsets. It goes beyond academics, fostering resilience, innovation, and self-confidence. Through a supportive community and hands-on projects, CDTM prepares students for a lifelong journey of creativity and leadership, whether in startups or established companies.

Other articles I wrote:

How Did I Get Into the CDTM?

How to Prepare for the CDTM Interview?

How I Received €25,000 in Scholarships