Recently, the MSW Youth Connections team had the chance to catch up with one of our Tier 3 program alumni, Nate Shingleton. Originally from Hopkinton, MA, 22-year-old Nate has fully immersed himself in his career and is well on his way to achieving his goal of becoming an entrepreneur.
So, how did it all begin? Nate reached out to MSW Youth Connections with a clear vision of becoming an entrepreneur, and we were able to connect him with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). There, he gained invaluable insights into marketing and entrepreneurship, setting the stage for his future success.
Nate then explored several career paths starting with copywriting and web design, eventually transitioning into web development, where he found his true passion. This avenue led him to pursue a degree in Computer Science at Wentworth Institute of Technology. He’s now studying Entrepreneurship and Marketing at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Through networking, Nate has built a steady clientele for his web design, video editing, social media management, marketing, newsletters, coding, and website management services. He currently runs his own sole proprietorship, Shingleton Solutions.
Nate’s day-to-day schedule is a testament to his drive: balancing emails, website updates, content creation, newsletters, networking with artists and non-profits, and meetings with clients—all while staying on top of his coursework and current internship.
When asked for advice for young entrepreneurs, Nate said, “Fake it till you make it.” He shared a story about his first client: despite not having experience in the service she requested, he took on the project, taught himself along the way, and successfully completed the job. His mantra has been to be honest with clients, but always willing to learn, and it’s paid off greatly.
Looking to the future, Nate’s goal is to grow Shingleton Solutions into a stable source of income that allows him to pursue other entrepreneurial opportunities. He’s passionate about using his skills to help others—whether that’s supporting non-profits, helping businesses grow, or offering his services at reduced costs to those in need. For Nate, making a positive impact on others is one of his biggest long-term goals.
Though he’s graduated from our program, Nate is grateful for MSW Youth Connections. He shared that he knows he can still count on us if he ever needs support—and we couldn’t be prouder of his journey so far. Recently, Shingleton has decided to become a partner employer and will be hosting his own interns from our programs.
We find it incredible that everything has come full circle for Nate, and we wish him continued growth and success as he embarks on his entrepreneurial future!
