Student Perspectives

Hi, I’m Johnny VanCora, and I have been working with the Pillsbury Institute since fall 2015. I knew that I was going to be an entrepreneur, and I have been involved with the Pillsbury Institute since coming to Cornell in fall 2014. As I became more and more involved in the institute, I took an independent study position with Professor Mona Olsen, who has been an amazing mentor for me during my entire time at Cornell.

The independent study experience has been an incredibly positive one for me. It allowed me to explore the roots of entrepreneurship on a higher level than ever before. I was able to make so many interesting and amazing connections to help me on my continuing entrepreneurial journey. I was also able to help complete one case study, as well as start another one from the beginning. Both of these cases were centered on the ideas and challenging the notions of what it really means to be an entrepreneur.

In spring 2016, I took on the position of Hospitality Entrepreneurship Coordinator at the institute, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This position has shown me the intricacies of how The Pillsbury Institute works on a day-to-day basis, and I have been so happy to lend a hand and help this amazing institute, which is such a great resource for students in the Cornell community.