Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends

Opportunity 1: Part Time Teaching Jobs
I found this opportunity because, after reading several articles about changing regulations within teaching, within Career & Technical Education, and with a national shortage of teachers, it became clear to me that there would be major effects of the national teaching shortage. I think an opportunity exists because the teaching shortage exists due to a mindset, not a lack of people: teachers are devalued, and many people feel the profession is limiting. I think the most likely person with this opportunity is recent college grads. These are the people who are still very open-minded about their profession, and don't want to be locked down. A part-time teaching role would allow them to have a steady job in a field they might enjoy, and pursue other interests as well. I think the difficulty of exploiting this opportunity depends on the field of education. For example, many teachers involved in career and technical or co-curricular organizations often do have a part-time schedule.

I recognized this opportunity personally because I work so closely with several high schools, and am currently struggling between deciding if I want to be a teacher, or go into business.


Opportunity 2: Electronic Textbooks / Technological Educational Resources
I believe that the need for technological educational tools is becoming so prevalent that soon there will be mandates and regulations requiring electronic capability for all educational materials in order for all student (off campus, special needs, etc.) to have a sufficient learning experience. I learned about this opportunity after a meeting and mentorship from an executive on the board of McGraw Hill publishing. I think an opportunity exists here because companies such as McGraw Hill have marketed these technological components as a competitive edge because they are so necessary. As a result of this marketing, it becomes clear how necessary technological integration is in the classroom. The most likely customer for this opportunity is school boards who are making large purchases of textbooks and teaching tools. Exploiting the company may be easy for a large company that already has this capability; however, for a smaller company it would be difficult to produce the technology necessary in order to create these e-tools.

Similar to above, I recognized this opportunity because of my one-on-one experience working with students and with educators.


Opportunity 3: Security for Student Loans
After watching several documentaries about the 2008 housing crash and having discussions with Marty Schaffel, we noticed an economic trend within the market of student loans. Similar to the housing bubble, the sheer number of student loans and economic foundation of the college education system leads us to a conclusion that there may be a student loan bubble. Students would be most affected by this, although a bubble like this bursting would affect many industries. The person who could take advantage of it is... potentially a bank that sees the potential of this bubble bursting, and can provide security to the students that this will affect. This is a very difficult opportunity to take advantage of, because it is difficult to find a very effective solution in the first place.

I think I recognized this opportunity because as a student, student loans and financing are very prevalent topics always on my mind.


Opportunity 4: Security for the Next Economic Crash (soon)
The business cycle is a very important concept within economics. Economists are currently predicting another economic recession within the next 18 months. This prediction is because recessions are cyclical, and if we go another 18 months without a recession, we will have just experienced the longest period of economic prosperity in decades, which is unprecedented. I learned about this in my International Business class. Economists could take advantage of this opportunity since they have the most knowledge about it. However, it would be difficult to take advantage of a recession before it hits because people who are living in such prosperity may not want to believe that it will end.

I think I was able to identify this opportunity because I am currently thinking about these concepts after watching several documentaries about the 2008 financial crisis.