Are you interested in entrepreneurship?
In today's Inside View interview we speak to Neeta Patel, CEO of the New Entrepreneurs Foundation (NEF).
In case you didn't hear about the NEF already, it is a charitable organization set up in 2010 with the vision of developing the next generation of entrepreneurs in the UK.
Neeta, the CEO, is an experienced executive with over 20 years of strategy and operational leadership experience in launching new ventures. Her educational background includes an MBA (Marketing) from Cass Business School and a Sloan Fellowship in Strategy and Leadership from London Business School.
Neeta is passionate about business and encouraging young people into entrepreneurship... And her goal is to help young, aspiring entrepreneurs to increase their chances of business success.
In today's Inside View interview she is going to tell you about the NEF, how it's different from regular graduate training schemes and how you can be a part of the 2013/14 programme.
What is the NEF and what was it set up to achieve?
The New Entrepreneurship Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status, set up in 2010. The aim of the Foundation's unrivalled 12-month programme is to develop a new generation of outstanding entrepreneurs who will establish and build market-leading businesses.
By equipping young entrepreneurs with hands-on experience, skills and networks to build scalable businesses, we hope that they will play a key role in driving Britain’s future growth and prosperity. The Foundation is supported by some of the best known corporates as well as by established business figures and successful entrepreneurs.
What does the scheme entail?
The programme consists of four main components: a 12-month paid work placement alongside a successful entrepreneur and their management team; an intensive and interactive learning and development programme; monthly networking events; and executive coaching.
How is the scheme different from regular graduate training schemes?
First of all, our scheme is open to both graduates as well as non-graduates. We are looking for people who can demonstrate a keen interest in becoming a successful entrepreneur - experience and education aren’t our primary selection criteria.
For the right candidates, we open doors for them and support them in every aspect of their entrepreneurial journey. The opportunity to learn the ropes first-hand working for a successful entrepreneur is a unique proposition for our candidates, as well as having opportunities to hear from and network with some of the country's top business leaders, such as Brent Hoberman, Sherry Coutu, Sir Charles Dunstone, Joe Cohen, Luke Johnson and Marcia Kilgore.
This combined with our monthly events allow candidates to develop and build a really strong network, which will be invaluable when they start their new business.
Can you give us some examples of the companies that you have placed people in for 12 months?
Our candidates have been placed at companies in a variety of sectors, including: Monitise, Seatwave, The Hut Group, Made.com, FitFlop, MyDeco.com, TalkTalk and Travelex. They have also benefited from business giants, including Deloitte, McKinsey and Tesco, and business schools such as London Business School, UCL and Cambridge Judge Business School.
Is the scheme open to Masters students and MBAs?
Yes - there are no education or experience standards for applicants.
Have you had any business students participate?
Yes, we have had a number of post MBA candidates who have applied for the programme.
Do you have to be a UK national to apply?
Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK as we cannot support work permits
What's the typical salary?
For a placement in London, it is £21,000/year; outside of London, £19,000 - most of our work placements are currently in London and the South East but some placements are further afield
How many places do you have left to fill this year?
We have 35 places this year, and are still accepting applications until the end of this month - we have had over 800 applications so far.
What skills and attributes do you look for in applicants?
We are looking for people who have a real passion for business, and a strong desire to be a successful entrepreneur. Typical attributes we look for include: leadership and entrepreneurial skills, exceptional drive and ambition, initiative; strong commercial acumen; outstanding self-awareness and humility.
When is the deadline?
Applicants have until noon on Thursday 28th February 2013 to apply, which is via an online form at www.newentrepreneursfoundation.co.uk
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