Drexel University’s Co-op program is one of the most well-known and respected career development initiatives for college students in the country. The program, which allows participants to focus solely on their real-world work experience while earning academic credit, plays a pivotal role in preparing students for success after graduation. At The Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, this hands-on approach to learning is especially valuable, offering students a chance to explore different industries, build their networks, and develop their skills through practical experience in the world of startups and business development.
For recent Entrepreneurship graduate, Jackson Kiernan, Drexel’s Co-op program was more than just an opportunity– it was an experience that kick-started his career, placing him into a work environment where he felt motivated to plant roots and grow, despite starting with no formal training in the field. Jackson’s journey is a testament to how Drexel’s Co-op program can help students discover their passions, gain unique skills, and find their own path to success.
Entrepreneurial Power Skills
Jackson Kiernan entered Drexel’s five-year Entrepreneurship program with the same preparation most college students have…none. Besides a few experiences from High School helping companies with consulting for their digital marketing, and an understanding that his innate passion for business was something he should nurture, Jackson had no knowledge about the technical side of business like finances or the processes a startup undergoes.
In many colleges, skills like financial management, data analysis, and coding are considered essential for success in the workplace. These are known as hard skills, but the Close School is unlike any other college program, we maintain different priorities.
We believe that a soft skill is something that can be learned. Anyone can take a class about finances or watch a “how-to” video to start coding. While the things that can’t be taught– innate skills like networking, risk-taking, and creativity– are hard skills or what we call “power” skills. These traits are difficult to teach, but also much more critical for standing out in the saturated business field. The Close School looks for and encourages students to develop these skills by taking a different approach to learning.
Jackson’s willingness to take risks, embrace uncertainty, and learn on the job are prime examples of these power skills. His third Co-op, at Susquehanna Growth Equity (SGE), an investment firm founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, ended up being the perfect fit for him. Even though Jackson had no formal background in finance or private equity, his strong communication skills and curiosity about business made him a valuable asset to the team. SGE provided him with a unique opportunity to not only grow his technical knowledge but also leverage his natural ability to connect with others and learn quickly.
Three Hands-On Experiences
Before he landed at SGE, Jackson had already been through two Co-ops. When recounting his journey, he did so chronologically, as if each event was leading into another. His first experience, marketing for a small real estate company, helped him pick up on some of those business-savvy soft skills. While it wasn’t his ultimate passion, it laid the groundwork for his understanding of business operations and gave him exposure to working in a corporate environment. His second experience was as a project manager for an asset management firm. There, he worked on a variety of projects across multiple teams.
The extensive reading required in his second Co-op was pivotal. Studying economists’ work on inflation, sustainability, AI, and other business topics fascinated him. It helped Jackson discover that his true passion wasn’t necessarily tied to a specific technical skill but rather being able to engage with people and learn about different facets of business.
Then came Susquehanna Growth Equity. Jackson was immersed in the fast-paced world of private equity. The work environment matched his entrepreneurial spirit and gave him the chance to utilize his people skills in a business context. He realized that his ability to connect with others— whether it be interviewing entrepreneurs, understanding their needs, or crafting a curated pitch— was an asset. Jackson learned that he was able to quickly pick up soft skills on the job, but in the end, it was the “power” skills he excelled that led SGE to offer him a position.
Preparing For The Future
Jackson’s journey is a powerful testament to the success of Drexel’s Co-op program. It didn’t just help him land a job— it set him on a career path that aligned with his passions, strengths, and aspirations. Today, post-graduation, he is thriving at Susquehanna Growth Equity. Jackson continues to build on the foundation laid by his Co-op experiences, demonstrating the lasting benefits of Drexel’s hands-on learning approach.
While entering the finance sector initially felt daunting, Jackson still dove into it head first. This field often felt reserved for those with strong business knowledge, but, like all Close School students, he proved how to differentiate himself from the rest. His story highlights a key takeaway for all students: the value of determination, adaptability, and that a passion for learning far outweighs any traditional qualifications.
Looking towards the future, Jackson hopes to one day culminate all of his gathered skills together and launch a startup of his own. What matters to him is feeling like the work he does is making a lasting impression on the world. He hopes to pursue a social or environmental impact venture and now he has the network and the tools to make it possible!
