Click here to read two reports from the students.
Denise Parsons und Mechthild Broehl-Foster
At the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Melbourne, we immersed ourselves in a rich tapestry of insights and viewpoints. The event seamlessly combined formal sessions, seminars, and informal interactions. Seasoned entrepreneurs recounted their experiences, highlighting their challenges and achievements. With a diverse range of attendees from various geographies and industries, the congress presented a vivid panorama of the entrepreneurial landscape. This experience left an indelible mark on our understanding of global entrepreneurship, instilling both direction and motivation.
We were particularly captivated by the panel featuring indigenous peoples from America, Australia, and New Zealand discussing their ascent in the entrepreneurial realm. Their captivating narratives intertwined humour with invaluable insights, emphasizing the significance of intergenerational responsibility and foresight.
The congress enriched our skillset and broadened our horizons. We delved into international markets, trends, and opportunities, explored groundbreaking ventures across sectors, and grasped successful business strategies and expansion methodologies. Furthermore, we deepened our understanding of team dynamics and leadership. Among our takeaways, the most enduring skill we honed was networking, mastering the art of forging relationships with professionals, mentors, and peers. We eagerly anticipate applying this compendium of skills in our future endeavours.
One of our most daunting moments at the GEC was presenting our innovative concept to the seasoned experts from whom we had garnered so much knowledge. Despite a few nervous stumbles, we were elated with our presentation and gratified by the subsequent positive feedback. - Lina, Larissa, and Rosa
During our trip, we were provided access to many seminars and ‘meetings’ covering a vast number of topics relating to entrepreneurship. In essence, the GEC is both a networking event, as well as a place to discuss and learn about relevant global issues which entrepreneurs can play a role in preventing. For example, a seminar relating to this that I found particular interesting discussed the role of global start-up community programs in providing the less privileged with the opportunity to pursue their entrepreneurial endeavours and the creation of start – up ecosystems.
Beside those seminars, there were others that educated the audience, providing them with tools and methods to further advance their own businesses and future endeavours. These I found the most interesting and relevant to me. For example, one of these seminars was all about start-ups, and the core – reason why they don’t attract funding. The seminar taught me about the importance of mitigating risk in order to attract more investors, something that could potentially be very useful in my future.
During our trip, we were provided access to many seminars and ‘meetings’ covering a vast number of topics relating to entrepreneurship. In essence, the GEC is both a networking event, as well as a place to discuss and learn about relevant global issues which entrepreneurs can play a role in preventing. For example, a seminar relating to this that I found particular interesting discussed the role of global start-up community programs in providing the less privileged with the opportunity to pursue their entrepreneurial endeavours and the creation of start – up ecosystems.
Beside those seminars, there were others that educated the audience, providing them with tools and methods to further advance their own businesses and future endeavours. These I found the most interesting and relevant to me. For example, one of these seminars was all about start-ups, and the core – reason why they don’t attract funding. The seminar taught me about the importance of mitigating risk in order to attract more investors, something that could potentially be very useful in my future.
On the last day of our trip, all of the groups presented our products on stage. During the time we had to prepare, we were all in the good hands of Alexandra Koch, who was a big help in guiding us through this journey. I believe that all groups did great considering it was our first time. While I was personally quite nervous, in hindsight I had nothing to worry about and was am glad to have done it. Funnily enough, the biggest issue, was that some of us, including me, would accidently keep moving the microphone away from our face.
Overall, this experience was great fun and I definitely encourage the school to keep promoting entrepreneurship to students. I also recommend students to take a shot at the ‘Unternehmen Deutsch’ program, as it’s a great introduction into the world of entrepreneurship. – Brian Berens
My group (Me, Louis, Robin, and Richard) presenting our product ‘Translatears,’ a translation device designed for tourists and business travellers.
Niklas, Richard, Louis, and I met entrepreneur and speaker Gary Schoeniger. We were originally introduced to him in the GEC meeting area but later attended his seminar to learn more about the work he does in promoting the entrepreneurial mindset to the younger generation.
On the last day of our trip, all of the groups presented our products on stage. During the time we had to prepare, we were all in the good hands of Alexandra Koch, who was a big help in guiding us through this journey. I believe that all groups did great considering it was our first time. While I was personally quite nervous, in hindsight I had nothing to worry about and was am glad to have done it. Funnily enough, the biggest issue, was that some of us, including me, would accidently keep moving the microphone away from our face.
Overall, this experience was great fun and I definitely encourage the school to keep promoting entrepreneurship to students. I also recommend students to take a shot at the ‘Unternehmen Deutsch’ program, as it’s a great introduction into the world of entrepreneurship. – Brian Berens