Develop your intrapreneurial skills and gain invaluable experience working with inspiring entrepreneurs with IKEEP.

Students involved in the IKEEP programme engage in online training in a range of business areas such as managing innovation, business model canvas and leadership strategies.

From here, students can apply for a short project placement (a commitment of 70 hours per student, spread flexibly over 4 weeks), working remotely for a regional business or charity as part of an interdisciplinary team of 3 students. 

Some of this year’s IKEEP participants at our IKEEP mingle event.

We spoke with Mansour Alshamsi, a student who has previously participated in IKEEP training and an industry project placement to find out about his experience in the IKEEP programme.

Could you sum up your IKEEP experience?

The IKEEP program was a very enriching and eye-opening experience which provided me with the valuable knowledge required to enhance my intrepreneurial skills in the workplace.

What did you learn from the IKEEP training and industry placement?

The training exposed me to new business ideas covering various aspects of intrapreneurship and taught me how to implement different business models appropriately. I learned that listening to other people is key to effective communication and that every business problem has a solution.

During my placement, I was able to learn the true meaning and significance of teamwork and how listening can help turn differences into strengths in order to keep going forward with our tasks. I was able to develop my research, communication and marketing skills and have a taste of how businesses and organisations operate.

What attracted you to the IKEEP programme?

As a Bristol PLUS Award holder, I received an email invitation to join the pilot program. Due to my interest in entrepreneurship and start-ups, I believed that this would be an invaluable opportunity to undertake a short-term placement/internship within a local start-up and learn more about how start-ups operate.

How does your IKEEP experience contribute towards your career planning?

IKEEP has connected me to accomplished entrepreneurs and exposed me to the resources which will pave the way for me to launch my own business in the future.

Would you recommend this programme to other students?

I would definitely recommend IKEEP to any student who is curious about start-ups or seeking to learn more about them!

Are you interested in finding out more about this unique programme?

For more information visit our IKEEP page on mycareer.