In a surprising turn of events, students at the University of California, Berkeley are not only studying Taylor Swift’s music but also her business acumen. The course, titled Artistry and Entrepreneurship: Taylor’s Version, is taught by undergrads Sofia Lendahl and Miaad Bushala to 44 fellow students.
Taylor Swift, often seen as a “tortured poet,” is now being hailed as a case study in how to build an empire. UC Berkeley senior Sejal Krishnan, a chemical engineering major, praised Swift’s impact on the economy, stating that her tours have revitalized local economies wherever she goes.
Bushala highlighted Swift’s strategic approach to building a loyal customer base, a key aspect of successful branding. The “Swift Effect” has caught the attention of top institutions like Harvard and Stanford, leading to classes being offered on Swift’s impact in various departments.
Students like Will Grischo, majoring in media studies and art history, have found the course eye-opening, especially in understanding legal issues surrounding artist rights and ticketing legislation.
For students like Jessica Revolorio, a sociology major and first-generation college student, taking the course was a family affair, with parents encouraging them to seize the opportunity. The course has inspired students like Angelique Zoile to take more career risks, mirroring Swift’s fearless approach to creativity and success.
Overall, the Taylor Swift-inspired course at UC Berkeley is not just about music but also about learning valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and creativity that can shape students’ future careers.