Being an enterprising student doesn’t just mean starting your own business at university (although a third of students say that they intend to do so).

Getting involved in enterprise activities allows you to broaden your horizons, develop new skills, and create opportunities for yourself, as well as take some time out from your studies in a fun and fruitful manner. It is also a great way of meeting like-minded people; people who will go on to be friends for life (and – who knows? – potential business partners of the future).

Whether you are a first year or a finalist, it’s never too early – or too late! – to get involved with enterprise at university. Here are some of the activities to explore:

Student Enterprise Society

You will find all sorts of societies on offer through your student’s union – a great way to discover your tribe! The university enterprise society is a perfect starting point for anyone who wants to develop and achieve, or simply explore, their entrepreneurial ambitions. Members will include young entrepreneurs, students who think they might want to run a startup at some stage, and those with an interest in business in general. Through the enterprise society, you will be able to participate in business-related activities (e.g. hackathons, business plan competitions) in a fun and supportive environment; seek advice, resources and opportunities; and build your network of entrepreneurs, advisers and investors.

No enterprise society at your university? No sweat. Take the initiative and start a group yourself. After all, as an entrepreneur you will need to prove your leadership credentials, and what better setting to demonstrate this than at university, where you will certainly find other individuals with the same interests? For support in setting up a new enterprise society, contact Crowdfund Campus today; we can show you how our online business game, Sandpit, can act as a springboard for your on-campus activities.

Enactus

Enactus is one of the largest student organisations in the world, with over 30,000 participants in 40 different countries. Guided by educators and supported by business leaders, Enactus – a global non-profit organisation – encourages students to use entrepreneurship to create sustainable solutions to society’s biggest challenges. Through Enactus, British students might work with young mothers, NEETs (those not in employment, education or training) and ex-offenders, helping others whilst developing themselves. Enactus UK teams operate in 56 universities across the country, so if you want to learn to lead and change the world, see if your institution is already signed up (and, if not, you can apply to start a programme here).

Volunteering

You’ll find lots of worthwhile volunteering opportunities through your student’s union. From helping to run campus tours and fresher’s week, to working within the local community, volunteering will help you gain valuable work experience and develop skills necessary for workplace success (organisation, time management, leadership). Plus, if you’re seeking that elusive light bulb moment, getting out into the community and seeing what people want/need may help you develop a business idea. Now, wouldn’t that be worth something?

Seminars/Workshops

At university, you don’t need to limit learning to your degree course. Keep an eye on the programme of seminars and workshops put on by the careers service and/or student’s union. From networking events to evening courses to talks by local entrepreneurs and alumni, all contribute to your personal development – and you never know where one conversation or Q&A session may lead. (Tip: don’t be afraid to follow up with someone you’ve met. A quick email to say how much you enjoyed their talk will be a much-appreciated ego boost – and may open doors.)

AIESEC

Founded in 1948, ‘Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales’ (translation: ‘International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences’) is the largest youth-led organisation in the world. Operating in over 1,800 universities and 126 countries, AIESEC is a global exchange scheme that offers personal and professional development opportunities through international work internships. Students are not only immersed in an alien culture, but also put through their paces in the challenging environment of a startup, gaining valuable experience and on-the-job understanding of what it takes to launch a business. This, ultimately, broadens knowledge, expands horizons, and provides opportunity to grow a professional network that may be able to support you in your own future endeavours. Click here to sign up and start your international entrepreneurial journey today.