The Gamechangers programme was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. It gave me a deep understanding of the entire process and effort that goes into building a venture, from initial concept to execution. It enhanced my skills in areas I hadn't fully explored before, providing practical insights and hands-on experience in a supportive environment and safe space where we could openly share our ideas.
Shubhangi Kejriwal, MSc Economics & Finance student, King's Business School
15 August 2024
Gamechangers and Interns reflect on entrepreneurial experiences
21 students from a widening participation background take up paid opportunities to explore their entrepreneurial skills and ideas.
Over nine weeks, 10 students participated in the Gamechangers programme, and 11 students gained internship experience in a start-up, through King's Entrepreneurship Institute (EI).
The programmes closed with a joint reflective presentation event, followed by networking. Each student was invited to share their experiences on the programme, including what they have learnt and how they intend to use their new skills or experience in future roles.
To be able to explore new skills through this internship, and build upon the skills you already have in such a supportive environment, is one of the most amazing opportunities you can get.
Petchpitt Kitprasertskul, BA Culture, Media & Creative Industries student, Faculty of Arts & Humanities
Both programmes are open exclusively to current students from a widening participation background, who typically face barriers when accessing or engaging in entrepreneurial activities.
The entrepreneurial summer internships provide current King's students with the unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in a start-up by working with one of King's ventures. Roles can include marketing and communications, business strategy, research and analysis, product development and more.
The ventures are companies which were started by King's students or alumni and developed through King's Start-up Accelerator. This year's ventures include Panakeia, Greenspark, SOJO, Supernotes, Kinhub, LiveLink and Smile, New Motion Labs and the Applied Neuroscience Association; spanning EdTech, Tech, HealthTech and sustainability.
Gamechangers supports King's students to find, develop and launch an idea into the world. Created in 2023, the programme guides students through the process of starting a business, with access to workshops, sessions on the Seven Skills of an Entrepreneurial Mindset and mentoring from Experts-in-Residence. The idea could be a new business, not-for-profit or community project. This year's cohort developed ideas relating to health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability and gamification.
It's been fantastic, both of us have been learning! Since we're building a notes app for students it's been really insightful to hear from Clarissa on how best to approach and market towards her peers. And it's also been fun chatting about King's and how it's changed over the years!
Tobias Whetton, Co-founder & CEO of Supernotes and King's alumnus (BE Biomedical/Medical Engineering)
Paid entrepreneurial opportunities are so rare, so I'm proud the EI is able to offer these to both students and ventures over the summer. We're grateful to Santander for supporting these pioneering programmes. The students' presentations clearly demonstrated an immense amount of learning across the nine weeks and it was a pleasure to see the pride they took in their work.
Rachel Stockey, Head of Entrepreneurial Skills, King's Entrepreneurship Institute
Both opportunities are paid at London Living Wage and are part of the EI's commitment to understanding and removing barriers to entrepreneurship, whilst enhancing students' employability and ability to positively impact the world. They were made possible with support from Santander Universities.
Read about Kanak's experience as a Gamechanger on our website.
Read about Lagsika's intern experience at Panakeia, Clarissa's experience at Supernotes.
To find out about similar upcoming opportunities, sign-up to the EI's monthly newsletter.
Related departments
- King’s Entrepreneurship Institute
- King’s Business School
- Faculty of Arts & Humanities
- The Dickson Poon School of Law
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine
- Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy
- Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences
- King’s alumni
- Student experience
- Students
- Careers & Employability