Thomas Kearns
My Student Life
Course: Health and Leisure
Year of study: 3rd year
College: Institute of Technology Tralee
Business name: My Student Life
Sector: Events and Marketing
Business idea: My Student Life is about enriching the experience at third level for a student. We aim to create a welcoming and engaging community for the students of third level education across the country to enable them to flourish. Through our social events we can form everlasting memories of college life for the students.
Student Inc. Programme Highlights:
There has been many enjoyable moments throughout the Student Inc experience, the highlights for me has to be the time spent in the Tom Crean Centre. Bouncing ideas off the other Student Inc participants and establishing connections with other businesses here. From the time spent in the Tom Crean my business has developed faster than ever before.
Any previous entrepreneurship experience before you joined Student Inc.?
I came into the Student Inc program having previous experience in the area of my business however, it was limited. Every day, the Student Inc program helped me to develop a business mind pushing forward the value of what you are offering and the different formats in which you can portray your brand and business.
What connections did you make on the programme?
From my time in the program I have made connections with many people in business. Previously, I had never heard of LinkedIn. It is an eye opener. The importance of networking when you are starting off your business is clear to see. The connections and ideas you generate from a meet up with a cup of coffee I will never underestimate.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of applying to Student Inc.?
From the online lectures, to mentorship and the experience in the Tom Crean Centre I couldn’t recommend this program enough for any budding entrepreneurs out there. If you are a student and you have an idea that you think you can make a business out of be sure to apply. You won’t regret it.
What was your greatest learning from the programme?
From my experience, I have made invaluable connections, gained confidence articulating my value proposition and delved into the financials of running a business which I had never experienced before. I can carry these lessons and teachings forward into my career as an entrepreneur. In the future I hope to continue to develop My Student Life using the knowledge and expertise from this program.