Meet Dom Ross, a junior at U-M double-majoring in Computer Science and Cognitive Science, with aspirations to minor in Entrepreneurship, Business, and potentially International Engineering. Dom’s journey into the world of entrepreneurship is a testament to curiosity, ambition, and a desire to make a lasting impact.
The journey began when Dom came across an article about Dr. Eric Fretz and his Entrepreneurial Creativity course. After checking out Dr. Fretz’ reviews on Rate My Professors, Dom’s curiosity led him to enroll in the class, sparking a newfound desire for innovation that would change his trajectory forever.
“I’ve always wanted to make an impact in whatever career I choose,” Dom says. “I figured that gaining entrepreneurial skills would be a great way to keep doors open for long-term opportunities and to make a difference in various ways.” The unique freedom to innovate and pursue his unique interests was a game-changer, igniting a passion for developing new ideas and turning them into viable projects.
After exploring the intricacies of entrepreneurial creativity in Fretz’s class, Dom was hungry for more entrepreneurial education. He enrolled in EHour, the Center for Entrepreneurship’s (CFE) class featuring guest lectures from successful entrepreneurs. “After that, I joined the CFE’s spring/summer study abroad program in Copenhagen, where I am currently writing this,” Dom shares. In this program, Dom is interning with Your Fair Share, a Copenhagen-based initiative focused on promoting fairness and sustainability across various sectors. “As a software engineer, I am gaining hands-on experience that will be invaluable if I pursue a career in the industry.”
This program has also given Dom the chance to leave the United States for the first time and experience a new culture. “What’s really struck me is how the Danish government seems to run like a startup. They’re flexible and innovative in their policy-making, especially with things like climate change and digital governance.”
Dom’s study abroad program includes a class called “Finding Your Venture,” which covers the entire process of creating a startup, from identifying a problem and figuring out if customers will pay for a solution, to developing a minimal viable product. “The part I enjoy most about entrepreneurship is the thought process behind it, which I believe is valuable whether you’re an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur.”
Right now, Dom is focused on securing an internship after junior year in 2025. “While I’m really into software development, I’m also passionate about well-being, technology, alternate reality, and sustainability. I’m excited to explore roles in User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction, business, or flexible positions within startups or other businesses that align with these interests.”
Dom is particularly interested in using technology to enhance well-being and exploring innovative applications of alternate reality technologies, like virtual and augmented reality. Dom also wants to contribute to eco-friendly and sustainable practices through work, so sustainability is another career consideration.
“If I had to give advice to students about getting involved in entrepreneurship or with the CFE, it would be to start early. Taking Psych 223 is a great first step since it covers key ideas in entrepreneurial thinking and creativity. Don’t hesitate to jump in and make an impact, even if you fail a few times. College is the best time to try out startups because the risks are lower, and you have lots of support and resources.”
“The university offers a ton of resources for budding entrepreneurs through the CFE, the Zell Lurie Institute, and other programs. Make the most of these resources and learn as you go. It’s better to experience and learn from failures now rather than later when you might have more to lose. There’s a lot about entrepreneurship that you can only learn by doing, so give it a try and see where it takes you. Get involved with the community, find mentors, and take advantage of the hands-on experiences available.”