8over8 Limited recently took part in a Digital Entrepreneurship Master Class delivered by Northern Ireland's biggest educational charity, Young Enterprise. On 17th November 2011 over 160 students from the North West gathered in The White Horse hotel, Derry for the half-day interactive workshop, which was one in a series of events run by the business organization charity throughout Northern Ireland during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
The program, aimed at 14-18 year olds was designed to help students think about opening their own business as a viable and exciting career option in the digital media industry. Working in teams with new “colleagues” from different schools, the students developed a business plan aimed at launching an imaginary new smartphone app. 8over8’s product manager, Ritchie Anderson was invited by Young Enterprise to act as “App Buddy” and be the student’s link to information on real life entrepreneurial activity. During the Masterclass, students learned how to develop the key entrepreneurial skills required to start their own company, including communication, team work, marketing and developing a unique business proposition, with Anderson offering support and guidance on each task.
“The enthusiasm and entrepreneurial knowledge displayed by the students was really impressive. With ICT being one of our key growth industries here in the North West, it was really great to see so many students from all over Northern Ireland working together innovatively and displaying such talent”, Anderson noted.
In addition, the students were treated to a dynamic presentation by well-known motivational speaker, Billy Dixon. Momentum, the trade association for the ICT industry in Northern Ireland, supported the masterclass and provided an opportunity for students to learn more about the opportunities in this sector.
To find out more about corporate support or volunteering opportunities, please contact Young Enterprise Northern Ireland on 02890 327003.