Jason Nochlin had little direction, as most freshmen do, when he came to Tufts University
as a liberal arts student two years ago. He was interested in technology, science, math, and
entrepreneurship. Today, Nochlin holds the position of President of the Young Entrepreneurs
at Tufts (YET), a school organization founded on the premise of mutual entrepreneurial
learning and passion. Nochlin says, "It’s always inspiring to connect with other people
who are continuously looking for ways to change the world and make an impact. Being in this
group is also significantly motivating."
Nochlin has always had an interest in web design, and in Fall of 2008 he landed his
first job for his own web design business. He enjoys learning about new technologies,
and is excited about the fast-paced future of computers. This passion is brought to each
meeting of the YET. The group convenes once a week with the goals of learning something
new, and practicing entrepreneurial skills such as risk-taking, networking, and adaptation.
The latter skill came into play for Nochlin after taking a political philosophy course,
where he could see applications to his own life reflected in the works he was studying.
"I remember reading about finding your place in society by doing what it is that you’re
good at. I really took that to heart, and pushed away from liberal arts to focus on
Electrical Engineering." Nochlin now has a double major, and is currently considering
pursuing a minor in entrepreneurial leadership.
As for YET, Nochlin describes its members as being "people who want to make a
pragmatic difference in the world, and achieve an individual lifestyle. They think
differently from everyone else and have an independent, almost ‘rebel’ attitude." YET has a
rich diverse cross section of Tufts. Its members range in class year, age, backgrounds, majors,
and student interests.
Group meetings are fairly intimate, which Nochlin explains as being ideal. The YET
meeting agenda is typically forum-style, with a focused talk and discussion amongst members.
Several individuals within YET have written business plans, and have bounced ideas and
concepts among fellow group members; at least one member submitted her plan for the Tufts
Annual Business Plan Competition for 2009.
Recently, YET has attended the MIT Enterprise Forum, which is free for students and
holds lectures and great networking opportunities. Members have also met up with other
distinguished entrepreneurial students from MIT, Babson and Harvard to attend the National
Young Entrepreneurs KAIROS Conference in New York. Nochlin expressed his excitement of the
event, and the invaluable experience of YET’s members to present and talk about their
business plans.
As YET President, Nochlin has set goals to move the organization forward this
academic year. He hopes to streamline the meeting process, recruit new members for
the fall, and get a steady officer base to delegate responsibilities. He really
intends to keep the core of the group strong. Nochlin highlighted the YET annual
Entrepreneurship Conference, which took place this past October and included an
elevator pitch competition.
