Student interested in enterprise? A few starting points..

by Startacus Admin

Grace Gimson, University of Birmingham Student, Ex- Microsoft Intern, Target Jobs Management Undergrad of the Year and now Startacus member, shares from experience, some of the resources out that to help students become self starters...

"With all the available resources out there, now really isn’t a bad time for students to start up their own company. Yes, pointing yourself down this route can be a very daunting prospect, but here are a few starting points to help out the startup minded (yes that is a way to describe someone?!) student.

If you have come across any great resources yourself then please feel free to add them by commenting via the forum.

Enternships - Get some experience interning with a startup while at uni, to give you a taste of startup work.

StartUp Britain- This is a national campaign by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. You can submit your own events to feature on the website or pop along to others. Have a browse around, you’ll find something interesting!

Entrepreneur First - The national graduate scheme for aspiring entrepreneurs, the first cohort started in 2012. It could place you among some of the most talented graduates in the UK, and gives you visibility in front of investors and mentors.

www.forbes.com/startups - This section of the site features short but interesting articles, providing advice, discussion and startup profiles.

NACUE- Even if you don’t yet know it, NACUE are likely to already have a presence at your uni. It’s a charity supporting and representing student-led enterprise societies and young entrepreneurs and could offer some helpful support.

Shell LiveWIRE - For those with a business in its early stages, or soon to start, it claims to have the UK's biggest online community for young entrepreneurs aged 16-30.

Founders Fit - Does what it says on the tin; helps you to find cofounders to start your business with, fitting you together to match skills, interests , aspirations etc. Almost like online dating for cofounders!

Start-Up Loans- There’s lots of both positive and negative criticism around for this, but it’s a smallish government loan which any 18-24 year old can apply for through Facebook, probably the most useful part being an assigned mentor for each successful applicant to help tie down your business plan.

Twitter- Just get out there and follow those who run the above schemes/organisations and any others that you are interested in, and don’t be afraid to reply to their Tweets, you’ll be surprised who will Tweet you back.

It kind of goes without saying that your university entrepreneur/enterprise society is a really good place to start! Also, many universities and colleges have their own business startup units too - so check them out! Discuss your ideas with like-minded people and you’re much more likely to get something successful in the pipeline :)."

Feel free to get in touch! Grace Gimson (Uni of Birmingham Student/Ex- Microsoft Intern/Target Jobs Management Undergrad of the Year)

 

• #
• #graduate

Published on: 1st September 2012