'At a certain point you really have something, and others start believing in it as well'
Entrepreneurial Minds
With seven faculties Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 offers several examples of entrepreneurial minds in all fields of study and research. From teachers and students to alumni and researchers, from Humanities to Bio-Inspired Innovation and often interdisciplinary. The Centre for Entrepreneurship inspires by showcasing the entrepreneurial minds within Utrecht 木瓜福利影视.
For Cornelis den Hartog and Lars Molenaar, the Master's programme Business Development & Entrepreneurship proves to be a good environment to spark their entrepreneurialness. Last summer, for example,; now the burgers are also available at Albert Heijn. At the beginning of this academic year they launched myHospi, an app to put an end to the frustrations of searching for and finding a new roommate.
Business Development & Entrepreneurship is the second Master's for both of you. Why this one?
Lars: I studied law, and have a Master's degree in Law & Economics. I didn't feel I could express my creativity sufficiently with that profile. I have all kinds of ideas, I want to be an entrepreneur. During my Bachelor's I followed the , and the . The master Business Development & Entrepreneurship felt like a logical next step.
Cornelis: I have a financial background. I studied at Nyenrode and worked as a consultant for Deloitte in London and Amsterdam. I found corporate life very interesting, but I also lacked freedom and flexibility. For me, the Master's is also a way to adjust my profile. The programme has a very practical approach and involves a large network of companies and entrepreneurs. For me it was a very conscious choice.
I want to be the athlete, and create things myself.
You are both very entrepreneurial - how did that happen?
Cornelis: For me it's all about creativity and freedom. I sometimes compare it to a coach and an athlete. As a consultant I advised the companies where it actually happens, I was the coach. Now I want to be the athlete, and create things myself.
Lars: The best thing is to make something out of nothing. And go through all the necessary steps involved in that process. We started with an ugly PowerPoint presentation, with which we tried to convince people of our idea. Based on feedback, you make it a bit better, your presentation becomes better step by step. At a certain point you really have something, and others start believing in it as well. In addition, as an entrepreneur you can organize your day around your own productivity. I don't want to sit behind a desk all day because my boss thinks that's important.
Cornelis: If you tell me that I have to be at the office at nine o'clock in the morning, I don't feel like it anymore. If you let me be, I'll probably be at work by seven. It's an intrinsic motivation. Freedom and flexibility are important. We both hate it if certain rules are enforced on us.
During your studies at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 you have access to a lot of knowledge and a large network on campus. So use that!
What advice do you have for entrepreneurial students?
Lars: Start working on your ideas as early as during your studies. We often brainstorm about our ideas in the evenings, with friends and fellow students. In addition, during your studies you have access to a lot of knowledge and a large network on campus, use that as well. It's a good time to lay the foundation for your venture, before you move into the operational phase.
Cornelis: This start-up phase quickly takes a few years. You might not earn anything in the first years of venture creation. During your studies, this lack of income doesn't have to be a problem.
Lars: This also teaches you to remain patient. Because you also have to spend enough time on your studies, you have limited time for a company. Use that time efficiently to keep improving your business concept, continuously.