Business & entrepreneurship
Over the past years of my study
Over the past year, I developed in Business & Entrepreneurship by working with real clients and multiple stakeholders in my second design project and internship. I learned how to navigate conflicting interests and saw the value of clear communication in stakeholder engagement (figure 1).
Through the USE learning line New Product Marketing and courses like Design Innovation Methods and Innovation by Design, I gained insight into tools such as SWOT, PESTEL, the Value Proposition Canvas and Cone of Possibilities (Figure 2).
Outside of university, I have worked at Groupmapping for five years. I support large-scale co-creation sessions with diverse organizations using the Collaboration by Design method, which gave me insight into collaboration and strategic change. I also supported a leadership course, developing my entrepreneurial mindset.
At The Huiskamer (figure 3), I grew into the role of floor manager. I led operations, coached team members, and supported events and social media. These experiences strengthened my leadership, adaptability, and ability to create value in dynamic environments.
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Figure 2: usage of methods mentioned
Figure 3: latest event at The huiskamer where I co-organised
Figure 1: Stakeholder meeting for project de Burght Maastricht
In my Final Bachelor Project
Although not a typical business project, this one taught me a key entrepreneurial lesson: you don’t need to know everything, but you do need to know how to ask. Early on, I reached out to experts to build a support network around my project. Anke van Oosterhout advised me on motor mechanics and became a valuable sparring partner. I also consulted a mechanical engineer and a Collaboration by Design expert to help with my mechanical and co-creation setup.
When participant recruitment failed, I reframed the problem. Instead of chasing individuals, I secured a public location and let people come to me, which led to seven sessions in one day. This taught me that value creation sometimes means designing the right conditions.
I also learned practical lessons about planning and risk. I underestimated time-intensive tasks like 3D printing, but knew who to ask for help when needed. This experience showed me that entrepreneurship is about being resourceful, adaptable, and building the right environment to make ideas happen.