11 questions with MS in Entrepreneurship student Taylor Moore

We asked current Foster students to tell us why they chose Foster, what they like to do for fun, and to share advice with potential applicants. Meet Master of Science in Entrepreneurship student Taylor Moore.

1) Where are you from?

Shoreline Washington

2) What did you do before entering this program?

Attended University of Washington Bothell as a “non-traditional” (Old) student, graduated class of 2018 with BA in Technology and Innovation Management after working 10+ years in graphic design and design management.

3) Did you have any entrepreneurship experience before entering this program?

I have worked for small businesses as a freelance graphic designer and brand consultant in my free time since 2006; both while working as Creative Director or Art Director for mid sized private companies in the Bellevue area and more recently while attending college.

4) Tell us why you are excited to be a part of the second cohort for the MS ENTRE degree program?

Having worked for small-mid sized businesses for a number of years I have felt many of my clients dismissed many of my proposals as “just marketing” our “out of the design or branding scope”. Further, I have always had a passion for problem solving and helping people. This program provides me an outlet to create a business my way, while increasing my professional credibility, and developing products that improve lives.

5) What are your thoughts on the entrepreneurship scene in Seattle?

Many of the entrepreneurial community events in this program are outside of class hours. Unfortunately, family responsibilities prevent me from attending many of these events. However, I can say that the individuals I have met are open minded, passionate, and highly diverse in experience and perspective. I have never had a request for coffee or advice be denied or scoffed. I am very excited to be a part of this community.

6) What connections are you hoping to make while in the program?

Currently I am working on developing a network of business, creative, and IT professionals with personal and professional connections to the disabled community.

7) Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I do not believe in five-year plans. As entrepreneurs we need to be open to organic growth and opportunity recognition. That said this program has a diverse range of value for creating both independent ventures and corporate opportunities. Each represents a different pathway to creating impact in healthcare and/or disability access. If I am unable to create sustainable traction and a living wage through my venture, I will likely seek a position at Amazon, Microsoft, or Google. Each of which have expanding health related vectors and value “start-up” culture within their organizations; where I believe the MS-Entre experience will be highly applicable.

8) What skills and/or knowledge are you looking to develop?

Entrepreneurship is all about ideas. As a creative professional I have a long history of presenting inventive solutions to upper management. However, it was difficult for me to project success, failure, or quantitative value. This program provides a laundry list of performance measurement and forecasting techniques that will improve my ability to communicate the value of creativity and innovation to others and validate the likelihood of their success.

9) What do you like to do for fun?

As an artist I enjoy drawing and designing for myself and occasionally others. I often take on small design projects for long time clients, which helps me maintain design fundamentals. I also design many of my own t-shirts and tattoos. While I do not have much free time these days I also enjoy getting outdoors, running, hiking, playing basketball or anything that keeps my mind and body healthy and active. I like to read. Mostly non-fiction. I recently read “Man’s Search For Meaning” a book by Logotherapy creator Viktor Fankle; which outlined his experience in Nazi concentration camps during the holocaust and their influence on his psychological theories of meaning and struggle. I would highly recommend for anyone who has gone through or experiencing personal struggle, it will put things in an interesting and eye-opening perspective. I am currently reading “Mismatched” by Kat Holmes. Recommended to me by Ben Hallen, a great read for designers in the disability space.

10) What’s been your favorite part of the program so far?

The classmates I have met in this program are by far the best part. While each of us has a unique perspective and many have independent goals, we are all striving to help each other improve both personally and professionally. I will undoubtedly walk away from this program with lifelong friends and valuable collogues.

11) What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about applying to the MS ENTRE degree program?

The program will test you in diverse ways, be prepared to challenge yourself. Stay organized! Use at least a five subject notebook or file organizer to consolidate each subject matter content. Lastly, actively schedule time for your venture and self-manage its progress. While the courses are designed for entrepreneurial activities your progress may be ahead or behind course content at any point. You will need to be able to work ahead or consult past quarter notes to optimize course content to your venture at its own rate.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship program

• Sign up for the MS in Entrepreneurship email list
• Attend an MS in Entrepreneurship admissions event
• Visit the MS in Entrepreneurship website

This post is part of a series where we ask current students to answer 11 questions about their experience at Foster. Explore the 11 questions tag for more interviews.