With 70 applications for every graduate job, a university has produced a video offering advice to graduates who want to start a business.
Nottingham Trent University’s enterprise unit, The Hive, produced the video, which features three alumni from the Midlands university who have already set up successful enterprises.
The young entrepreneurs talk about building confidence, researching and focusing business ideas, where to go for support and share their experiences developing a business plan.
One of the three entrepreneurs is Kawsaw Miah, who started his electrical wholesale business Digicom Solutions in the middle of a business studies degree, with the help of Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education.
In the first year of trading Miah achieved a £1m turnover and was named Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009
In the first year of trading Miah achieved a £1m turnover and was named Midlands Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009, as well as gaining a place in the national finals of the HSBC Start up Stars Awards.
Phil Clarke, a student enterprise advisor at The Hive, says: “As competition for graduate jobs intensifies, setting up on your own can be a daunting alternative. We've helped over 150 businesses to launch and our entrepreneurs have experienced all sorts of challenges and successes. Advice from someone who has been there and done it can really help to build confidence and give someone the motivation to give it a go.”
