What 3 budding entrepreneurs gained from cross-disciplinary program
Three University of Sydney students are among the first to complete a new cross-disciplinary program at the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship.
Left to right: Elena Anceva, Justine Narvasa and Vanessa Huang.
Three University of Sydney students are amongst the first 40 students to complete a new cross-disciplinary program developed by the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship (SSE) this month.
This initiative is open to highly motivated students from 11 educational bodies across NSW and provides an introduction to entrepreneurial thinking, strategy and processes.
Why entrepreneurs need multidisciplinary skills
Justine Narvasa, a student at the University of Sydney Business School, moved to Sydney from New Zealand to follow her dreams of a career in the financial services sector. For Navasa, the course was an opportunity to meet people outside of her discipline.
“I had the privilege of working with the brightest minds across the state, like-minded individuals who I would not have encountered otherwise,” she said.
“We were brought together by our shared passion for entrepreneurship and together learned the importance of interdisciplinary interactions for entrepreneurs. We need each other’s talents and expertise to create something beyond us.”
Pursuing a career in Asia’s start-up scene
Some students approached SSE with an entrepreneurial concept they wanted to bring to life. For Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences student Vanessa Huang, the course gave her the confidence and insight she needed to get started on her own business idea.
Ask yourself, what resources are already available in your ecosystem?
“I have started working on my own initiative to facilitate co-founder matching within university ecosystems,” Huang said. “I'm starting at the University of Sydney first, but it is my vision to eventually bring this initiative to every university in NSW.”
Currently undertaking a Bachelor of International and Global Studies, double majoring in International Business and Asian Studies, Vanessa wants to pursue a career in Asia’s booming start-up scene.
“I truly believe that the entrepreneurship and innovation in the greater Asian region will soon lead the world,” she said.
Future-proofing careers with entrepreneurial skills
For other students the course was a step towards future proofing their career. Elena Anceva is currently studying a combined Bachelor of Arts/Law degree, which she hopes to use to advocate for people in need.
“I think entrepreneurship will play a significant role in all fields in the future,” she said. “It will be particularly important in the law industry with regards to the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence technologies.”
Take risks while you are young and don't be afraid of failure.
The three students have come out of the experience with important life skills, new networks and some advice to those considering their own entrepreneurial potential.
“Ask yourself, what resources are already available in your ecosystem? Look for funding opportunities, co-working hubs or networking events in your area,” Narvasa said.
“For students like us hoping to start our own businesses, there is no better time than right now,” Huang encouraged. “Take risks while you are young and don't be afraid of failure.
"Even if something doesn't quite work out the way you wanted it to, you will have gained skills, connections and experience, and you will be a lot more determined to see it succeed the next time round!”
