Where are they now? (and how did they get there) Introducing: NEA Grad Emma

Last post we introduced you to Fiona who graduated from the National Enterprise Academy Pathfinder Programme earlier this year, during a break from her job at Clarenco, in which she helps set up potential businesses, she answered a few questions for us about what she is doing now, how she got there and the things that are important to her now.  This time I went to Marlow to catch up with another NEA Grad Emma…

NEA Blog: Hi Emma, we have a few questions for you that we are asking a number of our NEA Grads regarding what you are doing now and how you got there… so let’s go:

Where are you now?

Emma: I am working at Wireless Logic as a Marketing executive, based at Phones International in Marlow Buckinghamshire, living 200 miles from original my home town.

How are you finding working life?

Emma: I love it! The people at Wireless Logic are lovely and I have some interesting work that I am currently working at the moment, it involves talking to and creating case studies about our clients. I also love living away from home, being independent and learning new skills everyday.

What do you now know that you didn’t a year ago?

Emma: What my true talents are and that being different is a good thing! Also I have found that there is always a bright side. I try to never let things get me down, that is something that I always stick to whatever the situation.

What is one thing you learnt at the NEA you are able to apply in your current role?

Emma: One of the things I leant at the NEA was how to communicate with new people, this may sound like something simple but through our networking workshops at the NEA I learnt that the key is to be yourself, don’t sound like a robot and to ask lots of questions. So now at Wireless Logic when I have to call up customers to interview them for case studies I just take a deep breath and think ‘They are only human they aren’t going to bite and  remember to just be myself.’

How did you hear about the NEA?

Emma: My Economics teacher, Kevin, told my class about it one day and I applied that night without telling anyone, once I found out I had got through to the assessment day that’s when I let everyone know, I was so excited!

What drew you to the NEA?

Emma: The fact that it was something new and something different was enough for me. I always wanted to break away from the traditional educational route and NEA let me do that.

 

How would you describe the NEA to someone who doesn’t know much about it?

Emma: It’s a life shaping experience that allows you to discover what you’re true talents are. The opportunities through the NEA are endless and the people you meet and experiences you will have are unforgettable.

What was the best thing about going to the NEA?

Emma: The best thing about the NEA for me was meeting all the other students. Everyone was different and talented in their own way and near the end we all felt like a little family. I have definitely made some amazing, crazy friends for life.

What was the hardest part of the NEA?

Emma: I honestly can’t think of one. Most people would say family, but for me just having their support was enough, it didn’t really matter how far away they were. Actually the hardest thing about being at the NEA was not being able to earn much money and being away from a good shopping centre and a Selfridges!

What did you find the most fun/interesting whilst at the NEA?

Emma: The most interesting parts at the NEA was how quickly you had to adapt to each situation or business task you were set. I loved being thrown into the deep end.

What would you say to someone thinking about the NEA but is unsure?

Emma: Weigh up all your options you have at that moment look at what your strengths are and where you want to be in the future and this will hopefully help with your decision if NEA is for you.  And go for it! It was the best decision I made!

What  is your favourite business idea (old or recent)

Emma: Well I can’t give that away! However the other day I found this really cool marketing ‘product’ called Hyper tag, which sends you promotional messages via Bluetooth. Hypertags can be placed on people or inside notice boards, so when someone walks past a Hypertag they receive a message on their mobiles promoting a brand or product.

What quote do you live by?

Emma: ‘Live everyday like there’s no tomorrow, life to short to think twice’

Who or what motivates you?

Emma: Bad past experiences motivate me to make the most of everyday. But also my family, friends and expensive shoes motivate me to do well.

And finally, what is the perfect sandwich?

Emma: That is a tough decision! But it would have to be homemade egg and bacon with mayo (sometimes with ketchup on).

A big thank you to Emma for taking time to answer our questions, looks like another one of our NEA students love’s mayo! You will have to come back to us in a few months time and tell us how you are developing in your new job role!

Where are they now? (and how did they get there) Introducing: NEA Grad Fiona

Last post we introduced you to Anthony who graduated from the National Enterprise Academy Pathfinder Programme earlier this year, during a break from his job at Peter Jones’ experience day company, Red Letter Day’s,  he answered a few questions for us about what he is doing now, how he got there and the things that are important to him now.  This time I went to Buckinghamshire to catch up with another NEA Grad Fiona….

NEABlog: Hi Fiona, we have a few questions for you that we are asking a number of our NEA Grads regarding what you are doing now and how you got there… so let’s go:

Where are you now?

Fiona: Absolutely love it! It’s very fast paced and is a lot of hard work but the pressure just pushes me harder! There are lots of deadlines and being a graduate from the NEA means that there are certain expectations to live up to. But I have a fantastic experienced team who are always willing to help me learn new things.

How are you finding working life?

Fiona: It’s a big step up from school life but I thoroughly enjoy it. It’s what I want; to be able to get stuck into my work projects and know that the end result occurred because of my efforts. Working life really throws you in at the deep end but I know I have colleagues to turn to if I get stuck or need advice – it makes working so much easier and fun!

What do you now know that you didn’t a year ago?

Fiona: The importance of contacts. It is seriously important to have a great range of contacts in business not just in one area but in all different industries.

What is one thing you learnt at the NEA you are able to apply in your current role?

Fiona: How to work well under with pressure. It’s a really important skill to have and in my role, I’m always dealing with things changing, which are not always convenient but you have to learn to deal with it and get the best outcome. During the Academy the tasks we were set involved short deadlines like Make Your Mark, which really taught me the importance of not freaking out when things got tough!

How did you hear about the NEA?

Fiona: I was a finalists for Juniors Dragons Den (a one off spin off for Children in need) and unfortunately I did not get through to the final to meet the dragons but the producers kept my detailers and sent me through a leaflet via post.

What drew you to the NEA?

Fiona: That is was so different. To be honest school was beginning to bore me slightly, and this seemed like a new experience which could really catapult me into a business career, which is all I ever wanted. The way you learn pushes you to make decisions on your own by using your own instincts rather than using an example form a textbook.

How would you describe the NEA to someone who doesn’t know much about it?

Fiona: As an opportunity to create your ultimate career. You learn skills which you wouldn’t get a chance to use or create at school which will be key to a role in business.

What was the best thing about going to the NEA?

Fiona: Being surrounded by entrepreneurs of all levels and abilities. From the well known entrepreneurs who came in to give master classes which would truly inspire you, to the ambitious students whose energy you feed of off and help you develop.

What was the hardest part of the NEA?

Fiona: Leaving school. It was strange doing something different to the recommend route, I was studying my A.S levels and was preparing myself for university and it did scare me slightly that I would be doing something different to all my friends and usual students. But I am so glad that I did leave school.

What did you find the most fun/interesting whilst at the NEA?

Fiona: Working with a range of personalities, it teaches you how to read people and work off their strengths which really helps you work in a team.

What would you say to someone thinking about the NEA but is unsure?

Fiona: Go for it. You can always go back to school to study but the NEA is unique so remember that!

What  is your favourite business idea (old or recent)

Fiona: The Ann summer parties. It’s a brilliant concept! It started from the idea of a Tupper wear party! Jacqueline Gold has completely changed how the industry is seen which is un-heard of usually.

What quote do you live by?

Fiona: I don’t really have a quote but I always just say to myself when things are not going to plan “It will be fine” and usually they are! Don’t stress about things, worry will never solve a situation it’s a pointless emotion if you ask me!

Who or what motivates you?

Fiona: Other people and other entrepreneurs. I see them and I think “I want that” I want to be able to buy my family a huge house, I want to have that status, and I want to love what I do and be my own boss. If I see a rich celeb I don’t think “Oh it’s so unfair that I don’t drive a Audi R8″ I think… “Give it 5 years and my car will be flasher than that!”

And finally, what is the perfect sandwich?

Fiona: Carbs are deadly! But if I had choose, It would probably be a cheese and ham Panini.

A big thank you to Fiona for taking time to answer our questions, you will have to come back to us in a few months time and let us know how some of the businesses are going that you are helping to launch!

Orange brief given to current NEA students

The National Enterprise Academy blog can officially reveal that the current students at the National Enterprise Academy Amersham have been given a brief from mobile phone company Orange.

The brief was for a real marketing campaign that Orange sent out to a number of agencies as well as to the students allowing them to see what the real briefing process is like.  Excitement levels were high when I met the students at the launch event last week.

Just another exciting day in the life of the NEA students… watch this space for more news straight from the campus.

Where are they now? (and how did they get there) Introducing: NEA Grad Anthony

Last post we introduced you to Leanne who graduated from the National Enterprise Academy Pathfinder Programme earlier this year, during a break from her job at Peter Jones’ media agency PJMedia she answered a few questions for us about what she is doing now, how she got there and the things that are important to her now.  This time I went down to London to catch up with another NEA Grad Anthony Lavin….

NEABlog: Hi Anthony, we have a few questions for you that we are asking a number of our NEA Grads regarding what you are doing now and how you got there… so let’s go:

Where are you now?

Anthony: I am working as a Junior Account Manager for Red Letter Days – a company which pioneered the idea of giving an ‘unforgettable experience’ as a gift. It’s jointly owned by Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis.

How are you finding working life?

Anthony: It’s a big step up from school life but I thoroughly enjoy it. It’s what I want; to be able to get stuck into my work projects and know that the end result occurred because of my efforts. Working life really throws you in at the deep end but I know I have colleagues to turn to if I get stuck or need advice – it makes working so much easier and fun!

What do you now know that you didn’t a year ago?

Anthony: I now understand just how important all the small details are to a business idea. When handed the challenge of Make Your Mark I soon learnt that it’s great to have the initial idea but to actually implement it is a huge challenge! There were things like licensing laws, restrictions and needing permission for things like playing music externally in a public space.

What is one thing you learnt at the NEA you are able to apply in your current role?

Anthony: The NEA introduced me to the real working environment. Going to seminars, networking events gave me a feel for how business world worked. It’s this experience that has aided me in my current job and allowed me to be confident in approaching other working individuals.

How did you hear about the NEA?

Anthony: My Dad saw a TV interview with Peter Jones on BBC Breakfast and then told me all about it.

What drew you to the NEA?

Anthony: It was something different and I saw an opportunity to get stuck in the business environment with a more hands on/experience style of learning wich really appealed to me!

How would you describe the NEA to someone who doesnt know much about it?

Anthony: A great way to learn about business in a more professional manner. The NEA truly is bringing the boardroom to the classroom!

What was the best thing about going to the NEA?

Anthony: It gave me the confidence to believe in myself, and to know that I can come up with a business idea and know that I have the knowledge and skills to implement it.

What was the hardest part of the NEA?

Anthony: Changing my whole learning environment and coming out of my comfort zone was a challenge, and then getting used to living on my own away from my usual lifestyle was something I had to really adapt to. Now that I have done it though it wont be so scary when I have to do it again.

What did you find the most fun/interesting whilst at the NEA?

Anthony: I really enjoyed that the academy was really active and different to the usual classroom style we were used to. It was all about getting out of the classroom and doing things such as attending networking events, master classes and various seminars

What would you say to someone thinking about the NEA but is unsure?

Anthony: ‘It’s better to live one day as a Lion than a lifetime as a Sheep’ – Why do what everyone else does? Do something different, enjoyable and interesting. The Academy keeps you engaged and you actually find yourself saying ‘I can’t wait to go back to the academy!’

What  is your favourite business idea (old or recent)

Anthony: Google: I love what it offers both its staff and its customers. The staff have a fun environment in which to work and have great prospects plus the customer has a search engine that offers so much more than just search.

What quote do you live by?

Anthony: ‘Veni, Vidi, Vici’ – I came, I saw, I  conquered.

Who or what motivates you?

Anthony: My family and my partner. They bring me happiness and give me motivation to carry on.

And finally, what is the perfect sandwich?

Anthony: The perfect sandwich very much depends on who the consumer is and what their requirements are…

Ah…clever Anthony… ok, what is your favourite sandwich?

Anthony: Anything at all (well, except raw fish or lamb) as long as it in covered in LOTS of mayo!

A big thank you to Anthony for taking time to answer our questions and making us wonder just what is it about mayonnaise…?

Where are they now? (and how did they get there?)Introducing: NEA Grad Leanne

Introducing Leanne Richardson…

Leanne graduated from the National Enterprise Academy Pathfinder Programme earlier this year and we cornered her in the Peter Jones head office out in Marlow where she is now working.

NEABlog: Hi Leanne, we have a few questions for you regarding what you are doing now and how you got there… so let’s fire away

Where are you now?

Leanne: I am working as an Online Marketing Assistant for PJMedia – I work in Peter Jones’ head office. I’m also doing a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualification.

How did you hear about the NEA?

Leanne: My parents told me about the NEA, they had seen Peter Jones on BBC breakfast and thought it sounded like a fantastic opportunity. They knew that I would enjoy somewhere that wasn’t a class room based learning!

What drew you to the NEA?

Leanne: I  liked the fact that it was something unique. It allowed me to work practically and I knew I wouldn’t be stuck in a class room all day. From the very beginning it was a challenge everyday and it kept me  consistently learning how to spot new business opportunities and use my skills in the best way.

How would you describe the NEA to someone who doesnt know much about it?

Leanne: I would describe it as a unique and fantastic opportunity and it should be anyone’s first choice when they think of entrepreneurship and starting their own business!

The unique style of learning gives you an equal balance of learning and practical work. It allows to learn all the aspects to starting your own business, from marketing a product to managing your finances. This will give you the confidence, ability and skills to become the owner of your own company or a successful employee.

What was the best thing about going to the NEA?

Leanne: The best bit about the course is just how unique and personalised the style of learning is. It is adapted to those who can’t sit in a classroom and read out of textbooks all day. It given me a range of skills you can’t learn on other courses; I gained business knowledge, life skills and the ability to work well in a team. I am using all of these in my current job and feel so lucky to have gathered these skills before coming into the workplace.

What was the hardest part of the NEA?

Leanne: Changing my education environment from strictly classroom learning through to learning by doing. Even though this was the hardest it was one of the best. Once I had got out the habit of learning by reading textbooks I found a new way of enjoyably learning!

What did you find the most fun/interesting whilst at the NEA?

Leanne: I found the fast pace and pressure fun. No two days are the same and the surprises  of deadlines and new challenges showed me exactly how it would be in the business world.

What would you say to someone thinking about the NEA but is unsure?

Leanne: You only live once,  so take a chance! This is exactly why I went to the NEA, you only live once this opportunity could be the best decision you ever make.  And it has definitely been the best decision I have made, that is because I knew this opportunity was un-missable.

What  is your favourite business idea (old or recent)

Leanne: I think Facebook is a great business idea, it has started off as somewhere to chat to your friends to somewhere many business can make a huge profit

What quote do you live by?

Leanne: ‘You only live once, so take a chance!’ – This is why I went to the NEA

Who or what motivates you?

Leanne: My family motivate me. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am now.

And finally, the one we’ve all been waiting for, what is your favourite sandwich, the sandwich that gets you going and ready to face the day?

Leanne: Easy; Cheese, tomato and mayo – mayo is a must!

A big thank you to Leanne for taking time out of her busy day to answer our questions.

….Next time we will be catching up with Anthony – can he go one better than cheese and tomato with mayo though?

Where are they now? – Interviewing the NEA Graduates

One of the greatest joys here at the National Enterprise Academy is seeing our students graduate and go on to start their own business or work within with a business they feel passionate about.

Over the next few entries we will be bringing you a ‘Where are they now?‘ look at the NEA Graduates; learning about what they are doing now that they have finished the NEA Scheme and how they found the journey of getting to that place with the NEA.

WHAT’S IN OUR NEXT POST: Learn all about Leanne Richardson who graduated from the National Enterprise Pathfinder programme - how did she get there? what did she learn? where is she now? and most importantly… what is her favourite sandwich of all time?

Are you 16-19 years old, with GCSE and A level results looming, but still confused about what to do next?

Now enterprising young people have an alternative, exciting option – with the opportunity to apply for the last few places at the new and innovative National Enterprise Academy (NEA), which opens in Buckinghamshire and Manchester this September.

The brainchild of Peter Jones, the NEA will provide 16-19 year olds with the opportunity to develop the skills and mindset to succeed in the modern business world. The NEA seeks to unlock the talent of young people, giving them the skills and approach they need to succeed in setting up their own business or to shine in an established business. The NEA will offer the first ever full-time education programmes in enterprise and entrepreneurship and provide new and unique qualifications in enterprise and entrepreneurship at Level 2 (equivalent to four GCSEs) and Level 3 (equivalent to two A levels).

Based in Buckinghamshire and Manchester, the Academy will pioneer a new approach to teaching entrepreneurship by focusing on ‘learning by doing’ and will provide students will the opportunity to address real life business issues through practical learning. This unique approach will include:  work experience focused on real business issues; practical problem solving; competing in business challenges; and masterclasses led by experienced business professionals and entrepreneurs. Students will develop an investment-ready business plan for their own business idea, and will have the opportunity to set up and run their own micro-business. Additionally, there will be a high level of input from a wide range of ‘real life’ entrepreneurs, who will act as coaches and mentors to the students throughout their time on the course.

For more info simply go to our website www.thenea.org.uk

Welcome to our new blog!

This is the NEW blog for the National Enterprise Academy.

Following the success of the NEA Pathfinder Pilot programme (www.neablog.org) this September 2009 the NEA will launch two leading-edge enterprise centres offering the first-ever full-time education programmes in enterprise and entrepreneurship. The South-East hub will be based at Amersham and Wycombe College in Buckinghamshire. The second centre, located in Manchester, will act as a regional hub for the North West.

This is the blog for the new course – welcome!