How many college graduates can proudly list "CEO" alongside their GPA on their résumé? At Northeastern University's Saxbys Café, this seemingly distant possibility is becoming reality. More than just a coffee shop, it's a carefully designed incubator for student leadership and entrepreneurship, preparing students for future careers through real-world business experience.
Saxbys Café: A Laboratory for Leadership
The September 2024 opening of Saxbys Café at Northeastern marked a significant step in the university's leadership development program. Juliette Nicault, a junior international business major, was appointed as the inaugural student CEO, responsible for all aspects of café operations. This wasn't merely a part-time job, but a comprehensive business immersion.
Nicault's multicultural background and family experience managing conflict among four sisters proved invaluable in her leadership role. "Growing up in a large family taught me how to support team members while navigating challenges," Nicault explained, highlighting how domestic skills translate to business management.
Before assuming her position, Nicault completed intensive training at Saxbys' Philadelphia headquarters, then returned to campus to hire and train 46 team members. The café's performance exceeded expectations, achieving 150% of projected sales ($15,000) in its first two months, with 85% customer satisfaction ratings establishing it as a campus hub.
Beyond Coffee: The Ripple Effects of Student Leadership
Northeastern's leadership initiatives extend beyond retail operations. In March 2024, public history graduate student Laurel Schlegel received the Outstanding Graduate Leadership Award, recognizing her academic excellence and community impact. The history department's emphasis on global historical connections creates natural leadership development opportunities.
This model reflects a growing trend across higher education institutions. At Bowling Green State University (BGSU), students are transforming hobbies into income streams amid rising living costs. Senior Emma Schrimper launched a crochet business in January 2023 that now generates $500 monthly , while Taylor O'Malley's nail art venture, started in September 2022, earns $300 monthly .
"Student entrepreneurship benefits individuals and the broader economy," noted BGSU economics professor Rachel Thurston. "These ventures build practical skills while introducing healthy market competition."
Experiential Learning as Career Catalyst
Bryant University demonstrates how hands-on learning translates to professional success. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio , Bryant combines small-school mentorship with large-school resources. Many students secure multiple job offers before graduation, according to Michelle Cloutier, Vice President for Enrollment Management.
This success stems from Bryant's experiential learning model that blends classroom theory with practical application. Students gain early professional exposure through campus activities, research projects, and internship programs that build critical networks.
Redefining Higher Education's Value Proposition
From Saxbys' student-run café to BGSU's entrepreneurial ventures and Bryant's career-focused curriculum, these models showcase higher education's evolving role in leadership development. They suggest several best practices for institutions:
• Strengthening corporate partnerships for practical training opportunities
• Establishing innovation funds to support student ventures
• Integrating applied learning across academic disciplines
• Cultivating entrepreneurial ecosystems through competitions and forums
• Providing tailored career guidance aligned with individual aspirations
As education paradigms shift, these innovative approaches demonstrate how universities can better prepare students not just for employment, but for leadership in an increasingly complex professional landscape.