Business and Entrepreneurship

network. improve. pitch.

Business expertise involves both meaningful analyses and strategic plans to bring a product to market, but also networking and identifying the right stakeholders to support your vision. I have primarily developed this area of expertise through extracurricular experiences, but also through my academics.

Within the curriculum, the Design Innovation Methods course provided a solid foundation in creating a business plan. I learned various key methodologies such as PESTEL analysis or Problem and Market Solution Fit, all of which are essential tools for understanding and growing a business. I applied these methods in my Final Bachelor Project, where I evaluated how my design fits within the current market landscape, assessed its competitive edge, and explored the problem-solution fit through both literature and user research.

Beyond coursework, I actively applied and expanded these skills in extracurricular activities. For example, during the TU/e Contest with our Honors Academy Project, I conducted market analyses, estimated production costs, and engaged with stakeholders from the medical and engineering industries to gain insights and potential funding. My networking abilities were further enhanced through my internship, design cases, and my involvement with student team IGNITE, where I learned the art of crafting compelling one-minute pitches and building connections with industry professionals and event organisers.

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from these experiences is the importance of exposure. Being able to clearly identify which stakeholders are essential to your project, and convincingly communicate your vision to them, is a critical skill. It is this ability to engage the right people at the right time that transforms good designs into impactful, real-world solutions.