Testimonials
The enthusiasm of both, students and teachers, is contagious and inspiring. The atmosphere in class is very welcoming and encouraging interactions.
- Previous education
- Bachelor’s Bedrijfskunde, Radboud University
- Programme
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Study start date
'What I really like about the specialisation Innovation & Entrepreneurship is the continuous development in the field. Everything you study is highly relevant for large companies as well as startups and the courses are complemented with up to date cases. This specialisation provides you with theoretical knowledge, but also teaches you to apply this knowledge to cases in practice. The programme is challenging as beside your courses, you get the chance to advise a start-up on their business development in the Master Buddy Programme!
This specialisation has approximately 50 students and very committed teachers. The enthusiasm of both, students and teachers, is contagious and inspiring. The atmosphere in class is very welcoming and encouraging interactions. The teachers/researchers are always willing to answer your questions, whether they relate to their course subjects, personal development or your future career path.
The most challenging part for me was the third block in which you already start with your master's thesis, but also follow two courses. I would really recommend choosing electives that fit your master thesis subject as the literature could be useful for both!
I am writing a thesis on the effect of eco-label placement on product-packaging, on the attention paid to the eco-label and the intention to buy these products. My data collection is actually really cool, as I got the opportunity to use eye-tracking as a research method in an experimental design!
It is crucial for the survival of companies to adjust to their environment and keep innovating to stay relevant. Therefore I think it is important to educate people on how to approach business development and innovation processes. If we look at start ups there is a valley-of-death in which many of them fail (higher costs than turnover). This study provides you with knowledge to help a startup cross that valley-of-death and really become a successful company! If you do not want to work for a start-up or in an innovation department, this study provides you with an entrepreneurial mindset. This is highly appreciated by many employers for all kinds of jobs!'
The lecturers are very approachable and open for discussion.
- Previous education
- University of Indonesia
- Programme
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Country of previous education
- Indonesia
- Study start date
'I like how up to date the study materials are and it seems very applicable in real life. The lecturers are very approachable and open for discussion.
I always feel like I'm running out of time due to the block system. Without having a break in between assignment submission periods and the exam period, it's really challenging for an international student like me to adapt.
I am writing a thesis which is about breaking into the market as a fashion designer. For my future plans, I want to work for a couple years and then build my own business.'
Teachers are always willing to help you and guide you in any way.
- Previous education
- Marketing and Communication at Tec de Monterrey
- Programme
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Country of previous education
- Mexico
- Study start date
'What I like most about the Master's degree is that it has a managerial approach in all the classes that cover the curriculum. From marketing to innovation, finance, and business. This allows you to acquire knowledge about how you should manage a team or business, whether in your own company/start-up or within an international corporation.
Even though we are a big group with only three internationals, the Dutch students and professors have been extremely welcoming. This has allowed me to immerse myself in the Dutch culture and meet incredible people. Teachers are always willing to help you and guide you in any way.
The most challenging part of the Master's degree is being able to apply all the knowledge to your professional life. It can be easy to learn the theoretical side of entrepreneurship, but to apply it and start your own start-up requires more than just courage, but also a strategic mindset and many other skills.
For my Master's thesis, I am researching the effect that some design features have on the consumer experience when communicating through brand chatbots. In recent years, chatbots have become an essential tool for brands to connect with their consumers and I am very interested in researching and mastering the topic.
Brand building and innovations have always been my passion. After the Master's degree, I would like to continue working in brand management and eventually create my own company with sustainable brands that generate a positive impact in global societies.'
You get the opportunity to work on real-life business cases and interact with entrepreneurs and industry experts.
- Previous education
- International Business Administration - Radboud University
- Programme
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
What I was specifically looking for after finishing my Bachelor's was a Master's programme that puts emphasis on putting theory to practice. This programme provides a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience through assignments such as the hackathon and the Master's buddy project. You get the opportunity to work on real-life business cases and interact with entrepreneurs and industry experts. It challenged me to take in the information that is provided during the courses and translate this to real-life cases, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial process and the mindset required to succeed in this competitive field.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers/researchers)?
The programme consists of enthusiastic students and highly involved and experienced teachers, which causes an interactive study environment that stimulates students to challenge each other and enthuses them to think outside of the box. The group is not too big which makes interaction during classes easier and pleasant.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
Like many other Master's programmes, the programme is challenging and requires a high level of commitment and dedication. It specifically demands a significant amount of autonomy and independent study, which can be challenging for students who are accustomed to more structured and traditional educational programmes. At first, I found it challenging to get accustomed to this type of approach after being used to a more guided structure in the Bachelor's. However, the programme provided me with enough tools and resources needed to succeed, including guidance from supportive and experienced teachers. Eventually, this switch challenged to think outside of the box which made me more self-reliant and independent on a professional and personal level.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
Currently I am writing my thesis on how co-working spaces can facilitate a feeling of community for independent entrepreneurs, causing them to interact and share knowledge. I specifically enjoy interviewing entrepreneurs to talk about their experiences and see how co-working spaces could further contribute to their success.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
In order for companies to keep developing, managing innovation is of high importance. Both startups as well as well established companies have great and innovative concepts, however, fail to successfully bring them to the market because to a lack of well thought out strategies and management. In order to successfully bring an innovative concept to the market there is a big need for specialised managers who can guide companies from startups to successful enterprises. And if you are thinking about starting your own business, this programme will provide you with all the right tools to build a strong brand and increase your chances of success.