Electrical Engineering student Priam Alataris has always been immersed in the world of entrepreneurship. Growing up in Silicon Valley, he was surrounded by innovators and entrepreneurs, both in his community and his own family. “I’ve been exposed to entrepreneurship my whole life, but it wasn’t until I started exploring it myself that I realized how much I could grow by stepping into that world,” Priam shared.
That realization became a turning point when he got involved with the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE). The journey began when he came across an opportunity to study entrepreneurship in Denmark through ENTR Abroad. The opportunity offered more than just an international experience—it was a chance to approach entrepreneurship from new angles, develop his mindset, and push past his comfort zones.
Developing the Entrepreneurial Mindset
For Priam, the entrepreneurial mindset is about being able to see the big picture while honing in on the details that make or break an idea. “To embody the entrepreneurial mindset, you need to exercise all areas of your brain. Defining your problem, consumer validation, testing solutions, and more all demand equal amounts of inquisition, articulation, creativity, and especially empathy,” he explained.
In Copenhagen, he and his team were tasked with conducting interviews and gathering data for their projects—an experience that required confidence and adaptability. “It forced me to step outside my comfort zone. I found myself asking questions to parents in Copenhagen, reconnecting with my old middle school, and even visiting a kindergarten to gather insights. That hands-on work taught me so much about engaging with people and validating ideas.”
The study abroad program wasn’t Priam’s first exposure to entrepreneurship, but it allowed him to see innovation through a new lens. “Being exposed to founders in Denmark with such unique qualities helped me develop a more critical eye for business models while simultaneously thinking about the kind of founder I want to be,” he said. The experience also deepened his appreciation for the balance between technical skills and human empathy in problem-solving.
Advice for Other Students
When asked what he’d say to future CFE students, Priam emphasized the importance of embracing challenges and new perspectives. “I would highly recommend the program in Copenhagen, Denmark. The instructors are real-world practitioners who volunteer their precious time to give back to the entrepreneurship community and pass down their knowledge. But more than that, I’d encourage students to take advantage of any opportunity that gets them thinking critically and engaging with others.”
Now entering the next phase of his journey, Priam is excited to dive deeper into his field. “With no more general requirements, I feel like I am fully alone in the driver’s seat of my education,” he shared. His sights are set on applying to PhD programs next fall, where he hopes to continue exploring the intersection of engineering and entrepreneurship.
Priam Alataris’ journey reflects the transformative power of curiosity, empathy, and hands-on learning. His experiences with CFE have equipped him with the tools to face future challenges with confidence—and to shape the kind of founder he aspires to become.