FUTURE FOUNDERS

Company/Start Up students, have you set up and run a company with us? Here's how to share the experiences online.

How to Apply Young Enterprise to UCAS

Personal Statement (Core Approach)

  • Discuss key skills developed, such as leadership, financial management, marketing, teamwork, and overcoming challenges.

  • Rather than listing tasks, explain what you learned from running the company, particularly regarding business planning and product development.

  • Relate your Young Enterprise experiences to the university course you are applying to (e.g., highlighting management, creativity, or problem-solving).

  • Include what your role was within your student company, or any way you supported anyone else within the group. 

Work Experience Section

Young Enterprise is considered a professional-style experience. It can be listed in the volunteering or work experience sections. 

Key Themes to Highlight

  • Managing a business bank account. 

  • Raising capital  

  • Conducting market research and launching products. 

  • Developing a business plan. 

How Do I Set up a LinkedIn Account?

Set up a LinkedIn account and show potential employers the skills you have gained throughout the programme.   

Why Do I Need LinkedIn?

Your LinkedIn profile is your professional profile/identity. LinkedIn can help you showcase your skills, qualifications, and potential - it's your online CV! 

LinkedIn can help you to start to create a professional network of people and companies who could potentially help you in your career. You can use it to check out different companies e.g. look at the jobs and the people who work there, or follow companies, sectors, and influential people in areas that interest you. This will help you research career paths and evaluate job options. 

How to Set Up a LinkedIn Profile

  • 1. Go to the Linkedin sign up page - www.linkedin.com
    2. Type your first and last name, email address, and a password you'll use 
    3. Click the prompt which you're most interested in 
    4. Click "Join now" 
    5. Complete any additional steps as prompted 

    For more hints and tips on what to add to your LinkedIn profile why not check out the Networking section of Milestone 8 on YE Academy Company/Start Up programme.  

  • Alumni can now add Young Enterprise NI to your education journey on LinkedIn to let us know you took part - bonus points for a retro picture. 

    Click into 'Education' section on your profile and look for 'Young Enterprise NI' as your School.  

    1. Go to your profile and click Add profile section. 

    2. Select Recommended and click Add licenses & certifications. 

    3. Name: Enter the name of the badge/certification. 

    4. Issuing Organization: Type and select the organization to ensure their logo appears. 

    5. Credential URL: Paste the unique link provided for verification. 

    6. Click Save 

Develop Your Skills

AI Skills Passport

The EY Microsoft AI Skills Passport is a free, self-directed course available to young people aged 16+ that aims to help make connections to employment in the fast-growing AI landscape. By the end of the course, students will understand: 

  • What AI is 

  • Discover real-world examples in personal and professional contexts 

  • The importance of ethical considerations 

Students will also explore AI careers through industry pathways, including sustainability, business and entrepreneurship, and technology. The programme will conclude with a general employability module to provide learners the tools and tips they need to find a job. 

The programme can be taken on demand and at the learner’s own pace – with up to 10 hours of learning. It will be hosted on Microsoft Community Training platform and accessible via mobile and web. Students will receive an EY Microsoft certificate of completion to strengthen their CV upon completion of the course. 

www.ey.com/AISkillsPassport 

Green Skills Passport

The Green Skills Passport is a curriculum that has been developed and launched in conjunction with Microsoft. It targets young people aged 16+ and introduces sustainability, green jobs and skills for employment with a focus on AI to prepare learners to pursue employment or education. 

The Green Skills Passport has four segments: 

  • Sustainability and the green jobs landscape. E.g., What is sustainability? What are examples of green jobs, and how do they help the environment? What skills do they require? 

  • Entrepreneurship skills to inspire learners E.g., What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? How can I develop a business plan? What are principles of design thinking? 

  • Skills to prepare participants for employment and connect them to job search resources. E.g., How can I write a resume and interview for jobs? What are best practices when it comes to communication, adaptability and Microsoft Office? 

  • AI and environmental sustainability. E.g., What is AI? How can it be used to advance sustainability work? What are risks it poses to sustainability? How can I use it to help me get a green job, and on the job? 

Through 10-12 hours of content, the Green Skills Passport fosters connections to employment in the fast-growing green jobs sector with young people who are disconnected from the workforce. The programme can be taken on demand and at the learner’s own pace. It will be hosted on Microsoft Community Training and accessible via mobile and web. Students will receive an EY Microsoft certificate of completion to strengthen their CV upon completion of the course. 

www.ey.com/GreenSkillsPassport 

When registering participants will be asked to choose country in which they live: please select Northern Ireland and will also be asked to select which organisation referred them, please select EY Northern Ireland: VCSE sector 

YE Potential

Designed specifically for ages 16+, YE Potential is a student- led programme, which helps to build practical skills readying students for the workplace. Covering everything from writing emails to leading effective meetings, this programme is filled with tips and tricks from professionals in a wide range of sectors. Login into YE Academy or create your account and click on YE Potential, to access the programme. https://learn.yeniacademy.co.uk/ 

Employment Opportunities

Running Your Own Business

If you are attending college or university, why not reach out to the Enterprise Hub or Business Centres for future opportunities while you study.  

Queens University -

https://q-su.org/EnterpriseSU/Opportunities/ 

Ulster University -

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/enterprise 

Belfast Metropolitan College -

https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/support-for-business  

North West Regional College (NWRC) -

https://bsc.nwrc.ac.uk/  

Northern Regional College (NRC) -

https://www.nrc.ac.uk/businesses/entrepreneurship  

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) -

https://www.serc.ac.uk/about/enterprise-and-entrepreneurship#:~:text=our%20TikToK%20channel-,Enterprise%20&%20Entrepreneurship,and%20where%20they%20can%20grow.  

South West College (SWC) -

https://swc.ac.uk/about/business-services  

Southern Regional College (SRC) -

https://www.src.ac.uk/business-support/innovation-support  

Self-Employment

If you are thinking about becoming self-employment there are lots of places you can go online for support. Look at some of the support below