January 12, 2022

Young Entrepreneurs 2022: 5 tips for a successful application [advice from organizer]

If you feel that your inner entrepreneur is growing stronger or have a business idea burning powerfully inside you, but you don’t know where to start, the NUCC Young Entrepreneurs program is definitely for you! The program is very popular as it will be run for the seventh time this year,  therefore making your application stand out is key.

Writing a good motivation letter is always tricky. The pressure is there, especially when you know that you compete with many other (probably good) candidates either for a job or a place in an educational program. That’s how I felt, at least when I applied for YE2018 four years ago. 

I was lucky enough to get in then, and I also ended up on the other side of the process: in 2019, I helped to organize YE2019 and will do so again this year. I believe that there is no perfect candidate. All participants will be divided into groups consisting of people with various academic and professional backgrounds which means that no matter what competence you have – you have a chance to participate, as long as you are passionate about business. You might not have a stunning business idea or much expertise from a specific sector, but maybe you have a skill needed right now and right here. However, you need to be able to show that. Here are some tips for you to consider when applying for YE2022. 

Show your interest in entrepreneurship

This is the part where you talk about your motivation. How did you become interested in entrepreneurship? Does thinking about business make you forget drinking coffee? How would you use the knowledge you gain during the program in the future? Find some ways to show that entrepreneurship is your passion. 

Mention your active business idea or competence from a specified sector

This year, the program focuses on such sectors as: 

  • Energy for the future
  • Manufacturing
  • Food and drinks
  • AgriTech
  • Smart City

 

Make sure to demonstrate what you can bring into the program or, if selected, how your group will benefit from having you as a groupmate. Is it your network in the manufacturing (or insert your variant) sector or some rare skills? Maybe your product? Perhaps you have a business plan but have never got a chance to try it out? Find something unique about you that is relevant to business, and mention it in your application.

Demonstrate your English skills

Excellent command of the English language is a must in this program. Have you taken any English language tests or completed a course? Write about it! Also, your application will be in English, so make sure to proofread it before submitting 🙂

Prove you have great presentation skills

Do not simply write that you can make a killer presentation. Instead, come up with a specific example when you demonstrated the skills or gained them.

Have a solid understanding of business processes in Ukraine or/and Norway

I would not say it’s a must to have a good knowledge of the business processes or climate in Ukraine/Norway to get into YE2022, but it would be your great advantage. We spend a lot of time learning the basics. If you already have the basics in place, you and your team can use the time to work on the business case. Therefore, if you understand how the Ukrainian or/and Norwegian business worlds work or, for instance, how business cultures in the two countries are different – mention that in your application letter.

Of course, it always helps to be creative. Remember that the Admission Committee needs to go through a couple of hundreds of applications, so make sure they notice yours 🙂

Anastasia Antonyk,
Project Manager at NUCC

Related articles