Student experiences – exploring entrepreneurship in Berlin

04 Apr 2019

In 2019 50 students studying Business and Entrepreneurship went to Berlin in March on a successful and inspiring four-day study tour. First year degree students teamed up with a cohort from the Enterprise Society and MSc in Business Management to explore the city and its thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Groups visited a range of established and start-up businesses, including a curated concept shopping mall (Bikini Berlin), an agritech data company (365Farmnet), and an innovative surplus food retail outlet (Sirplus). 

Time was spent learning about the growth of an on-demand recruitment platform aimed at students (Zenjob), an aquaponics development company (ECF Farmsystems) and a plant-based food start-up incubator (ProVeg).

Students also met with leads from Die Familienunternehmer, who represent the interests of 180,000 family entrepreneurs in Germany, and Axel Springer, Europe’s largest digital publishing company.

The SBE team comprised of Jonathan Brunyee, Karen Czapiewski, Georgina Homer and Georgina Shanly, guided by RAU student and Berlin resident, Mauritia Von Der Hagen.

‘The evening at the Axel Springer office was a real highlight’ says Jonathan. ‘We heard about their graduate talent search, witnessed three business pitches from real start-ups, networked with other enterprising universities, and then attended the ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’ session. A real privilege and so insightful.’

Jonathan also added: ‘Speaking with German alumni it was great to hear that a degree from the RAU was highly valued and helped them stand out in the job market.’

Between visits, students were encouraged to engage with the city’s history, see the sights and immerse themselves in Berlin culture.