SEPnet students recently came together to participate in two days of intensive entrepreneurship training as part of our annual GRADnet Enterprising Ideas competition.

Elaine Hickmott, who developed the programme, explains how 'by mixing the problem-solving and analytical skills developed as a physicist with an understanding of business and industry', graduates can truly position themselves for success. She adds 'this may translate into the ability to secure more funding as an academic, being the best physicist you can be, starting your own company or building a rewarding industrial career.'

Ricky D�Costa, a physics student at Surrey, shared his views about the training: 'I have learnt that being an entrepreneur is not always about financial profit. People can become social entrepreneurs to help society and, whatever profit they make, they can use it to develop their business further. I have learnt to think from other people�s perspective - how they feel, think and process information. If ideas are criticised too early, people might be discouraged from sharing their thoughts. The most important aspect for me was understanding the four stages of innovation: Dreamer, Realist, Critic and Implementer. I am now keen to take my business idea further!'