Karishma's Journey: From ambition to achievement on King's Enterprise Award

Exploration

I took up the Enterprise Award because I was eager to learn something new and keen to see how I could practically apply knowledge and skills to my own start-up one day. I wanted to immerse myself in the world of entrepreneurship. I’ve always had a passion for business, but never really had the opportunity to learn about it so closely and in a variety of ways. The Enterprise Award gave me the chance to step out of my comfort zone and build my confidence.

Award highlights

The pitching events were impactful and inspiring. I remember being in awe of other students and alumni who took to the stage, presenting their innovations with such confidence and conviction. Taking time to work on my own presentation skills through a pitch task unlocked my creativity. I realise I enjoy constructing pitches and engaging people in conversation in topics I am passionate about.

The Build Teams workshop also helped me reflect on my own effective communication skills, something I felt I was lacking but have since focused on. The award gave me real life opportunities to practice my communication skills in different settings by networking with new people at events or meeting people from industries that I would like to work in someday. 

Key learnings

My confidence, knowledge and skills to start my own social enterprise have evolved so much. Through this award I have met and connected with so many people, who have inspired and fuelled my own desire to do even greater things.

I’ve learnt to not lower my self-esteem, especially when I am initially not good at something. I now have the desire to learn and become better and put work in to improve my skills.

As this is an extracurricular award, I’ve also improved my time management, as I had to manage study time on top of attending events and completing sections of the award. I’ve realised that when I enjoy what I’m doing, I can get it done and now have a persistence and work ethic in me.

Looking ahead

I will use the effective communication skills I have learnt when attending interviews or networking at events in the future. I’m also using the creativity skills I developed on the award to create a brand for my social enterprise, which I hope to bring to fruition this year. Starting a new enterprise will test my time management skills, but the tips I learned will help me stay organised and on track in my entrepreneurial journey.

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King's Enterprise Award runs November – April each year and invites students and staff to add entrepreneurial skills to their CVs by exploring the Seven Skills of an Entrepreneurial Mindset.

Participants take part in a range of learning opportunities, including self-reflection, industry insights and workshops, all while connecting with other members and the wider Entrepreneurship Institute community.

The award is HEAR accredited for students.

For more information, visit our website.