Graduate internship experience, Oklahoma Small Business Development Center

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: During the fall of 1988, an internship experience focusing on promotional marketing, advertising and publicity took place at the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The role of small business in the United States including programs of the Small Business Administration were discussed. The University of Tulsa's Enterprise Development Center and the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center in Tulsa were described. An explanation of internship activities and results as well as an analysis of the experience were presented. Some of the activities were creating a brochure and newsletter for the Enterprise Development Center; developing publication guides and fact sheets on topics related to the internship focus for clients; counseling clients; writing a business case; and writing summary/critiques of small business seminars attended during the internship.

Findings and Conclusions: It was found that intuition is a tool for making business decisions; effort is required for establishing good business communication lines; delegating is an effective management tool; a fine line between what is considered an ethical and unethical business practice often exists; documenting communication and networking through people are business practices that are most useful when employed strategically; and flexibility is a key attribute of successful businesspersons. Furthermore, entrepreneurs need training in the areas of target marketing, resource management, business financing, and coping with environmental and societal changes.