Although Amherst's goal has never been a pre-professional one, the College is often lauded for encouraging its students to venture into all sorts of different posts in life. And students have certainly responded well to the College's efforts by taking advantage of the opportunities afforded to them; not only through their classes but also through extracurricular activities offered on campus. For instance, students have the opportunity to learn emergency care on campus and practice their skills by working for ACEMS. Those planning on becoming future educators can teach at local high schools and tutor students both on and off campus.

Yet, there is an unmistakable void in what is offered at Amherst in the form of preparation for the business world. For those who are interested in trying their hand at entrepreneurship, Amherst has very little guidance for them. There are no classes offered to teach business-related skills, and students are hardly encouraged to pursue extracurricular business endeavors. Additionally, the requirements listed in the Student Handbook for those looking to start their own businesses are so demanding that few are willing to put in the effort. Upon reading the policy for on-campus profitable businesses, a future entrepreneur may be intimidated by the language, concerned that he or she needs a complete business plan to present for approval before even attempting to get an idea off the ground.

The administration should make a more concerted effort to encourage students to turn their business ideas into a reality. Perhaps they could spark more interest by holding meetings or distributing information about what opportunities are available. If their concern is that students would use resources on campus for profit, a policy could be implemented whereby the school gets a certain percentage of the profits each business makes.

Students who are interested in such opportunities should also consider the needs of the Amherst community. Like the few student-run businesses that currently exist on campus-namely the Option, the Hungry Newt and Mass Storage-businesses should benefit the College community more than they should the world outside Amherst.