Centre for Entrepreneurship students link with Yell on social media

Earlier this month, ten students from the University of Reading demonstrated their entrepreneurial skills to win a place on an exciting new work placement scheme.

Organised by Henley Business School's Centre for Entrepreneurship and supported by Yell, the directories business, the Future 50 scheme is a unique initiative aiming to identify the entrepreneurs of tomorrow from the University's student body. The latest placements will centre around social media and how businesses can benefit from its use.

It's hoped that the entrepreneurial students will help local organisations capitalise on new business opportunities during this difficult economic climate, and reinforce the University's value to the regional economy.

Graduate entrepreneurs could play a large role in the recovery of our economy; however it has been reported that the number of businesses being started by under 25s is decreasing, with graduates accounting for only 8% growth in the economy in the UK compared to 30% in the US. To help improve this it has been suggested that UK universities could do more to promote this career path as a possible route for graduates.

The ten students earned their place by going head-to-head with ten other students at a recent Enterprise Bootcamp. The students took part in a variety of entrepreneurial challenges and enjoyed real business networking and inspirational talks from successful Reading Alumni and Henley MBA students who have started up businesses.

The students will be trained as social media consultants in a two-day Enterprise Academy in October. Each student will go on to work with a local Reading business, designing and implementing an innovative social media strategy.

Claire Blood, the University's Entrepreneurship Co-ordinator, said: 'In this tough economic climate students need relevant skills, experience and exposure to entrepreneurship and small businesses whether they are considering self-employment as a career option or demonstrating their value as a potential employee. We are delighted that local industry is working with us to offer these important placements.

'Many businesses have heard about the benefits of using social media, or have even invested time and money into attending training and seminars on the topic, but may not have had time to think about how it would apply to their business and their customers. Social media is a very powerful tool and has the potential to substantially boost a business's customer base, and change the way organisations communicate with their customers and clients. With a bespoke social media strategy, the businesses involved in the Future 50 scheme could quickly see the difference.'

The Centre for Entrepreneurship has partnered with Yell, which will provide a volunteer business mentor for each student. The Yell business mentors - experts in new media - will provide additional support to the students during their 10 week placement.

Kimberley Watts-Fitzsimmons, Corporate Responsibility Manager for Yell in the UK, said: 'Mentoring has become an increasingly valued business resource, and it's great that Yell is able to provide expert guidance to enterprising students who will in turn support small businesses. With small businesses being the lifeblood of our business, we use our experience, expertise and energy to champion UK enterprise to ensure mutual future success.'