Finance and supply chain sophomore Carson Jones came to the University of South Carolina
looking to get involved in an entrepreneurship-oriented program. He learned about
the IDEA community, a living and learning community for creative students committed
to making a positive change, while he was touring Campus Village. Students in that
community belong to one of four interest groups focusing on the themes of impact,
design, entrepreneurship or the arts.
Jones, who is from Cincinnati, Ohio, says his passion for entrepreneurship has thrived
in IDEA because of the professional resources and opportunities available to community
members.
USC’s intellectually stimulating living and learning communities help students turn
their interests and passions into fulfilling careers. We talked to Jones about his experience living in the IDEA community, one of USC’s
seven faculty-led living and learning communities.
What are some highlights of your experience as a student in the IDEA community?
There was no shortage of meaningful experiences while I was a member of IDEA. But
the mix of professional, entrepreneurial-focused events combined with fun, community
building activities was the perfect formula for an unforgettable freshman year. I
remember the genuine excitement I felt doing goat yoga at the start of the semester—an
experience that speaks volumes about the community-centered spirit within IDEA. On
the more professional side of things, residents were given the opportunity to attend
the 2024 Growth Summit, a multifaceted program held for entrepreneurs around the state,
which proved to be an extremely valuable experience. IDEA also hosted two separate
networking nights, where industry professionals would take time to create connections
with IDEA residents.
How has your experience with the IDEA community impacted your overall student experience
at USC?
There are three main assets that IDEA has given me as I continue throughout my college
career. The first of which is arguably the most important: a rock-solid community
and tight-knit group of friends. One of the things that I came to love about being
in a living and learning community is that everyone on the floor knew each other because
of the various events we would attend. Looking past that, IDEA also delivered great
entrepreneurial wisdom that I hope to apply down the road. And lastly, the staff,
faculty and professional relationships that were fostered created access to resources
and opportunities that otherwise would not be available.
What do you hope to do after graduation, and how has being a student in the IDEA community
help set you on that path?
I hope to become an entrepreneur myself someday. I’m grateful to have had some transformational
experiences in high school that ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. IDEA fostered a
seamless transition from my hometown to Columbia, giving me the resources and community
I need to make my dreams come true at USC. The three years of ahead are full of unknowns,
but I will be forever indebted to IDEA and its faculty for the invaluable freshman
experience it provided.