Meet a Roadrunner: Student Trent Berryman is passionate about entrepreneurship
(Sept. 3, 2014) -- Meet Trent Berryman. His dream is to start his own company.
Berryman's enthusiasm and dedication to entrepreneurship has been a hallmark of his studies in the UTSA College of Business.
"It's my life goal. It's my passion," said Berryman, a senior from Midlothian, Texas. "I'll only be truly satisfied if I can create something from scratch and make an impact."
A double major in entrepreneurship and finance, Berryman recently was recognized as one of UTSA's 100 Best Business Students, an honor achieved by only the top 2 percent of students in the College of Business.
Berryman's love for entrepreneurship was tested when he was asked to participate in the college's $100K Student Technology Venture Competition three days before the competition. The competition pairs engineering students who have designed a product with business students who develop the business plan. The culmination is a live pitch in front of judges and investors.
"At that time, my friend and I were already working on three projects, but after being asked to join the competition, my friend called me and said, 'What are you in school for? To make good grades or to do big things?'"
His team had three days to prepare the 40-page business plan and final presentation, which would normally have been completed over an entire semester. While their group did not place in the competition, their hard work and the immediacy of their deadline earned positive feedback from the judges.
"They were amazed at what we did in just three days," Berryman said. "That has been my most memorable experience at UTSA."
He is looking forward to gaining the full experience of the competition in the upcoming fall and spring semesters.
Berryman's passion for entrepreneurship was influenced by his father.
"My dad was always an entrepreneur. He always talked about starting a business and inventions."
Due to family responsibilities, his father didn't have the opportunity to follow his dream. Yet, Berryman was inspired to pursue entrepreneurship in the present.
"Once I graduate, I'm going to take that leap before I have responsibilities that require a steady salary," he said.
This summer, Berryman chose to increase his knowledge and experience in finance by interning with AllianceBernstein. He is working to create risk maps for their international division and building a fund fact sheet repository. In January, Berryman will travel to India with the College of Business immersion program.
With his enthusiasm and outstanding work ethic, Trent Berryman is sure to achieve his goals.
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Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.