I'm Louise, the Student Enterprise Careers Consultant and I am part of the Careers Team. Our job is to help you explore if freelancing, self-employment or starting your own business is the right career choice for you, whether you're a current student or a recent alumni.
This summer is the perfect time to explore your enterprising idea, develop an existing side hustle or take your business to the next level.
There are so many things you can do that can help you in your career decisions, or find the information you need to get started with your own business. You can come to one of our careers events, book a one to one guidance appointment or we can help you connect with an external provider of business start-up support.
Building your networks is also useful when thinking about your career options, and it's vital if you're going freelance or starting a business. It can feel daunting to get started, which is why our summer sessions have dedicated time for you to chat with other students and build networks without realising!
We're available for one to one appointments to talk through your ideas and to help plan your next steps. Contact us at careers@leedsbeckett.ac.uk to get started.
Have a lovely and productive summer and I hope to see you soon!
Louise
Summer Events
Enterprise Centre at Leeds City Library
There is so much support available at the main central library in the heart of Leeds, they also run events and workshops in suburbs round Leeds.
Whether you’re looking to start, grow or run a business, they can support you with:
- the skills you’ll need to start and grow a business
- getting to know your customers and research your market
- protecting your products and services with patents, trade marks, registered designs and copyright
- one-to-one specialist guidance and support
- gaining confidence and meet fellow entrepreneurs.
Find out more by visiting the Leeds Library Website
Leeds Beckett University
Check out the following options for support, here at Leeds Beckett:
- Business Lab: LBU Centre for KE and Entrepreneurship
Before attending the Business Lab, you are required to submit three pieces of information to help the business advisor prepare and provide the best advice to help you. This might include:
1) A biography or a LinkedIn profile
2) A summary of the business idea or the subject for discussion - maximum of one page
3) A list of 3-5 questions the student wishes the business advisor to answer.
To get started email ceke@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
- The Knowledge Exchange - Rosebowl, City Campus.
Come along to the Student Entrepreneur Networking Event Weds 10 July, 1pm at The Knowledge Exchange. This is an opportunity for Leeds Beckett University business minded students to meet, share their business ideas and form new networks. We are pleased to welcome Wani Mkandawire, CEO of the Malawian Coffee Company & HR Consultant who will share his business story focussing on the lessons learned and recommendations throughout his business journey.
For all things Knowledge Exchange email Richard- R.Whitehead@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Useful websites and resources
There is plenty of support available online from national and local organisations including courses, programmes, networking events and support groups you can get chatting with. Take a look at our suggestions below to get started:
- Explore Enterprise: Business start-up support from West Yorkshire Combined Authority including a fantastic five part course Explore Enterprise.
- The Princes Trust: Helps support people aged 18-30 to turn their ideas in to businesses. They have a Leeds City Centre location, but also run programmes online.
- Networking for Creatives: The New Monday is a no pressure networking event in Leeds for creatives. It’s a great way to chat with freelancers and self-employed people in the area.
- Parents of small Biz: This group helps to connect self-employed parents in and around Leeds.
- Prospects Website: Prospects is a fantastic source of links, articles and resources for careers exploration in general but also if you are considering being self-employed.
- Leeds Council: Take a look and the different programmes and support agencies listed on the council website
Business Model Canvas
It's really important to consider what your ‘value proposition’ or USP (Unique Selling Point) is when you work for yourself or if you are starting a business. This is about understanding what value you create for a paying customer, whether it's a unique skill or experience, your insights or a lived experience that makes your service or offer special.
Writing a business plan can seem a bit official sometimes, but it's helpful to spend some time working on your business as well as just in your business. The Business Model Canvas model is a great way to consider the different segments of your business, for example, before making a ‘marketing plan’ it's always helpful to consider who you are marketing to.
Squiggly Careers Podcasts
Taking a chance on doing something different instead of getting a 'regular job' can feel daunting. It can sometimes feel like a lonely place and doubts can creep in. But, many people do make these huge career changes for many reasons and we have seen this more and more since the covid pandemic.
The Amazing If resources are a fantastic (mostly free) library of podcasts, worksheets and activities you can work through in your own time to assess your work personality type, your drives and other attributes focused around making positive changes in your work life.
Meet the Accountant
Watch the recording of our Meet the Accountant session with Steve, our friendly accountant, talks us through the basics of being self-employed and starting a business including:
