Meet the enterprising students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) who will be spending the next year developing their business ideas.
They are all joining DMU’s Enterprise Placement Year, an alternative to the traditional placement which sees students explore their ideas, test out markets and learn entrepreneurial skills.
Delivered in-house by the university careers team’s Enterprise and Entrepreneurship team, students will each receive £3,000 in financial support, practical workshops, one to one coaching and site visits to inspiring start-ups.
Simon Baines, Enterprise Manager. said: “The Enterprise Placement Year is one of the highlights of our varied offer.
“It’s a real personal development opportunity, and there’s nothing more rewarding for us than seeing the extent to which participants grow in confidence over the 12 months. They join as students and as we’ve seen with successful programme alumni like fashion designer Jordan Hicks, they leave as entrepreneurs, which is amazing to see.”
The students are all second years and will begin their placements in July. They are:
ANNALISE BYE
Performing Arts student Annalise is hoping to create her own successful performing arts school for children. She said: “Even though I know exactly what I want my business to be, I don’t necessarily know the skill set to open a business. Therefore, I’m looking forward to the various workshops and meeting like-minded people to give me the guidance in order to achieve what I want.”
LIAM THOMPSON
Fashion Buying and Merchandising student Liam wants to create a sustainable clothing brand, turning unwanted clothes into something new.
He said: “ “This business will be an upcycling, reworking, and alterations company based on sustainability, as this is one of the most troubling things in the fashion world.”
Liam is most excited about learning how to turn his business vision into a reality. “Me and my sister always used to come up with little business ideas and fun things when we were younger and I feel I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit.”
SAMIRA BOUMECID
Fine Art student Samira is planning to sell bespoke tufted rugs that she has designed and created. She said: “I want to be able to offer fully customisable rugs online. This opportunity will help me to develop my ideas further by providing me with the necessary guidance on how to set up and run a business.”
GISELLE VOILA
Giselle, who studies Fashion Design, wants to launch her own streetwear brand. She said: “I think being someone with a neurodiverse mind, adds to my creativity and has contributed to me being business minded.
“I believe undertaking this Enterprise Placement Year will help me gain work and life skills and that this will be the perfect opportunity for me.”
LIBBY MORRIS
History student Libby Morris is combining a passion for baking with her love of history, with her creations based on well-loved family recipes. She began baking at five when her aunt starting a baking class. She said: “I want to build my courage and self-esteem as an individual, particularly in my capability to achieve things, so a lot of professional business and personal development during the placement year, whilst building an online presence for my business, so watch out social media.”
Rehana Lila, project co-ordinator said: “I’m really looking forward to see how the Enterprise Placement Year transforms these creative and talented students into entrepreneurs. Having recently joined the team, it’s been amazing seeing the passion and drive these students have to pursue their dreams.”
The Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Team have a wide range of programmes and events for DMU students and graduates who are interested in developing entrepreneurial skills to apply within self-employment or a job role. Click here to find out more.
Posted on Friday 16 June 2023