Applications are now open for the 2025/26 Enterprise Placement Year from DMU Made (Careers Team). The programme enables you to spend 12 months learning what it’s like to be your own boss, with a £3,000 financial bursary, practical workshops, personalised coaching and site visits across Leicestershire.
Dedicated staff will help you enhance your digital capabilities, creativity and agility. You’ll learn skills to help you stay connected; developing empathy, communication skills and new collaborations. You’ll also develop the ability to be professional, as you become organised and accountable for your project’s success.
How does the Enterprise Placement Year work?
Available to second-year students, this alternative to a traditional placement encourages students to start their own business rather than work for a business. The opportunity is only open to five students per year, ensuring everyone gets a customised experience. It allows students to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, enhance their skills and develop their business ideas over 12 months, starting in July 2025.
The programme is designed to help with your confidence, independence and professional skills, so it’s more about your personal development than how far the business gets by the end of the year.
What happens on the Enterprise Placement Year?
Throughout the Enterprise Placement Year, students participate in weekly workshops and events. All aspects of business, marketing, personal branding, finance and networking will be covered. You’ll meet other successful entrepreneurs along the way, go on site visits and co-work with others taking part in the programme.
How to apply
If you are interested, check the eligibility criteria and application process for further details.
Please apply on My Gateway or email enterprise@dmu.ac.uk with an expression of interest.
If you have any questions, email enterprise@dmu.ac.uk.
Applications close on Wednesday 26 February.
What have others said about the Enterprise Placement Year?
Libby Morris: “I loved it. There have been so many opportunities and to be able to see my ideas turn into reality is just something else.”
Liam Thompson: “I feel like I’ve gained a lot. It has been a smooth process, learning how to deal with situations as they come. It’s been fantastic working alongside the other placement year students as we have all found ways to help each other and have learnt so much from one another.”
Ismael Onsa: “I believe taking this year to work on my business has not only developed me as an entrepreneur but as a person as well. Being around people who are trying to create their own business really pushes me to try and succeed in whatever I put my mind to. With everything I have learned this year I know this knowledge will be very useful for years to come.”
Other participants have enjoyed significant success, going on to win national awards as well as DMU Entrepreneurship Awards.
Posted on Wednesday 22 January 2025