The economic situation in the United States may have some University of Wisconsin students concerned about job prospects upon graduating, but one recent graduate has overcome such grim circumstances with entrepreneurial success.
Even with degrees in business and psychology from UW, Mikael Cho, a 2008 graduate, discovered finding a job after college was not the easiest task.
“When I got out of school, the opportunities in terms of business and entry-level business health care positions weren’t that attractive and also weren’t really hiring,” Cho said.
Instead, Cho decided to combine skills from both his majors to help companies and individuals learn how to be sustainable and efficient.
He co-founded and launched the sustainability company Kuuala, whose headquarters are located in Montreal, to aid in the enhancement of energy conservation for businesses and individuals around North America.
Kuuala leads by example, being as green and efficient as they can.
“We use Skype, for example, for all of our conference calling, for all of the outbound calls that we do and everything is pretty much paperless. So, everything we do at our office we try to be green and it actually makes things more efficient,” Cho said.
He added all of the office supplies and furnishings used by the founders of Kuuala are recycled and second-hand, which helps if people are starting a business and don’t want to worry about large expenses.
Kuuala is also advertised on widely accessed websites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Cho said it is easier to start a business now because of the amount of technology available to people and the ease with which you can get your name out.
He added Kuuala is currently working on two major LED lighting projects in two different locations — one being an educational building in California and one being a health institute in Wisconsin.
According to Cho, the LED lights will save the company around $750,000 in energy bills and will last more than six years longer than a regular lighting system. While Kuuala does not install the lights, the company works with other energy-efficient companies that complete the installation process for them.
Maintaining contacts across industries is vital to successful entrepreneurs, according to Cho.
“Don’t shut down any of your options. … Stay in touch with any connections that you have,” Cho said.
He added pursuing one’s passion is another feature of successful entrepreneurial endeavors. He advised aspiring business-starters to take a good look at what they are passionate about, saying money and success will naturally follow.
Doug Bradley, assistant director of Marketing and Communications at the Office of Corporate Relations, said now is a better time than ever to pursue entrepreneurial success.
As for students who are looking for opportunities, the Wiscontrepreneurship program is always available for help and guidance, Bradley said.
He added there have been publications over the past several months that have named the UW campus one of the best entrepreneurial campuses in the country.
