Zell Lurie Institute Survey Underscores the Importance of Entrepreneurial Mindset...

Zell Lurie Institute Survey Underscores the Importance of Entrepreneurial
Mindset Among 2008 MBA Job Candidates
HR Executives and Recruiters Search for 'Intrapreneurial' Individuals to
Augment Innovation within the Corporation

ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Samuel Zell & Robert H.
Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Michigan Ross
School of Business today announced the results of a recent study that points
to growing awareness and interest in innovative and entrepreneurial thinking
within Fortune 500 organizations. With more than 54 percent of companies
citing entrepreneurial skills as a valuable attribute for new recruits, the
study and its findings speak to the importance being placed on employing
"intrapreneurial" thinkers within companies.
Companies looking to successfully compete in today's global economy are
meeting such demands for innovation by recruiting "intrapreneurial" MBAs who
can utilize entrepreneurial thinking within large organizations to drive
innovation, instill change and make significant contributions within the
corporate setting.
"Long-standing, successful companies have historically demonstrated a
commitment to entrepreneurship within their organizations," said Tom Kinnear,
Executive Director of the Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for
Entrepreneurial Studies. "This study underscores what we have been advocating
for years -- this idea of 'intrapreneurship,' which is the practice of
entrepreneurial skills and approaches within a company. As the nature of
business continues to evolve, more and more businesses are actively seeking
individuals who possess the ability to be self-starters and can demonstrate
innovative thinking."
The survey was conducted by the Zell Lurie Institute during February 2008
via a Web-based survey to ensure accurate compilation of response data.
Notable findings from the survey include:
-- Nearly 90 percent of respondents cited prior experience in forming
and growing a company as being somewhat to very attractive
-- 68 percent of respondents were very committed to fostering and
integrating innovation in everyday activities
-- 65 percent of respondents have specific programs that support
innovation with more than half (53 percent) offering recognition and
rewards for showing initiative
-- Of the attributes considered to be very important to recruiters and
HR executives:
* Ability to develop actionable plans from disparate and incomplete
information (74 percent)
* Being innovative and open to new ideas and showing strength in
creative production (72 percent)
* Ability to formulate and assess innovative business solutions (71
percent)

The Zell Lurie Institute at the University of Michigan offers students
action-based learning programs both in and outside the classroom to better
prepare them to address the challenges of starting their own business or being
entrepreneurial within a larger organization.
About the Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial
Studies / Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance
The Institute and its Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity
Finance bring together a potent mix of knowledge, experience and opportunities
from the front lines of entrepreneurship and alternative investments. The
student learning experience is further enhanced through internships,
entrepreneurial clubs and organization and events that serve to provide viable
networks and engage the business community. The School's two student-led
investment funds, with over $3M in management, immerse students in the
business assessment and investment process. Members of the Advisory Board
include Samuel Zell, Chairman of Equity Group Investments; Michael Hallman,
former COO of Microsoft Corporation; and Eugene Applebaum, Founder of Arbor
Drugs, Inc. For more information, visit the Institute at
www.zli.bus.umich.edu .
SOURCE Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies

Rob Halpin of Version 2.0 Communications, +1-617-426-2222 ext 117,
rhalpin@v2comms.com for Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for
Entrepreneurial Studies; or Mary Nickson of Samuel Zell and Robert H. Lurie
Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, +1-734-615-4424, mnickson@umich.edu