Published
Blog type
Imperial Enterprise Lab is a dedicated support service for students, staff and alumni who want to develop their entrepreneurial mindset, skills, and networks.
Mangala Prasetia, Global Online MBA student shares his journey at the Imperial Enterprise Lab and how this service has both honed his entrepreneurial skills and enhanced their time at Imperial College Business School.
My motivation to join the Imperial Enterprise Lab
As someone with a keen interest in entrepreneurship, the Imperial Enterprise Lab seemed like the perfect fit for my ambitions. In fact, when considering which schools to pursue an MBA, the entrepreneurial spirit, emphasis on innovation, and the service provided by the Imperial Enterprise Lab, was a key factor in my decision to study at Imperial College Business School.
As someone actively exploring the possibilities of working for a startup or being an entrepreneur myself, the Enterprise Lab was a natural choice. The inclusive nature of this service fosters a "hack" mentality, and this is a skill that I wanted to further develop alongside my academic study.
What is the Imperial Enterprise Lab?
The Imperial Enterprise Lab offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to empower student innovators and entrepreneurs. These include co-working space to foster collaboration and networking, mentorship from seasoned professionals, workshops and events, support in securing funding and investment, and opportunities to participate in challenges and competitions to refine skills and gain experience.
It is truly a vibrant hub for budding entrepreneurs; facilitating startups at various stages of planning, trialling, and funding.
The Enterprise Lab operates as an open and supportive environment. You can drop in to use the co-working space, attend events, or seek advice as needed. The Enterprise Lab welcomes anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit, even if you're just exploring possibilities. You can come and learn, network, and get inspired to develop your own venture. Many people join to participate in the annual challenges, but you can also gain specific skills, or simply be part of the supportive community.
The Enterprise Lab's online communication platform, Slack, provides a collaborative workspace, offering advice and networking opportunities for all members. Students and entrepreneurs are regularly exchanging ideas and experiences both virtually on the app and in-person.
What’s more, the service doesn't take equity like many university incubators. This equity-free support ensures that every student, regardless of financial constraints, can access valuable resources.
Events & workshops
The Imperial Enterprise Lab organise numerous events throughout the year to actively involve students in the entrepreneurial community. From inspirational speakers and community events, to watching the teams pitch for prizes.
One of the recent events "Navigating the Startup Journey: Acquiring Your First Customers," was tailored to early-stage student and alumni founders. The session delved into diverse customer discovery techniques, providing valuable insights into effectively reaching our target audience. The workshop also addressed potential pitfalls, offering proactive solutions, and explored various channels to gain that crucial initial traction.
Impact on personal growth
In a short span, I've deepened my understanding of entrepreneurship, and feel like I belong to a vibrant and collaborative community. On a more personal note, I’ve also been able to participate in the Global Challenge Lab competition through the Enterprise Lab, and even placed in the competition!
Engaging with the Enterprise Lab has provided a real-world perspective that complements my academic studies. The hands-on experience has not just enhanced my understanding of business and entrepreneurship, but also helped navigate through my own study on the Global Online MBA.
Being part of the Imperial Enterprise Lab has been transformative. I've honed my entrepreneurial skills, gained practical insights into startup dynamics, and developed a network of like-minded individuals. The service has nurtured my ability to think innovatively and act entrepreneurially.
Nurturing future entrepreneurs
In essence, my journey with the Imperial Enterprise Lab has been nothing short of exhilarating. From engaging events to practical experiences, the service has been instrumental in shaping my college experience and preparing me for a future in entrepreneurship. It's not just about theoretical knowledge anymore; it's about actively contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. If you're a fellow student with a passion for innovation, or a brilliant business idea, I highly recommend exploring the Imperial Enterprise Lab - you might just find your niche in the ever-evolving world of startups!
Published
Blog type
Share
