Future Freelancers in Bergen: Discovering Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Creative Skills

Independence

Trip price

Trip duration

All DMU students are eligible to participate on this opportunity. In particular, we are looking for students with a demonstrable interest in freelancing and self-employment, or you may have a business idea that you would like to launch or grow. There are a maximum of 20 places available, with a minimum of 10 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Trip description

This trip to Bergen will explore how freelancing, self-employment, business, and sustainability are critical part of Bergen’s infrastructure. It will also provide students with opportunities to explore how entrepreneurial and creative skills can help them become the enterprising graduates of the future. Participants will undertake tasks which will help them to develop a range of skills including:

• Social Media
• Personal branding online and offline
• Networking
• Team work

Underpinned by a community of ambitious founders, Bergen has a thriving programme of start-up events, innovation hubs and business programmes. This trip will explore how this community works alongside and with the Universities to support growth and innovation. This trip will enable students to interact with local organisations including the University of Bergen, innovative projects, and entrepreneurs who are at the forefront of pioneering solutions to global challenges.

Students will learn about ideation, prototyping, and the essential skills needed to succeed in the entrepreneurial world. Engaging with Norwegian academics and students will provide students with a unique international perspective on education, research, and business practices, enriching their academic and personal growth or a placement. Meeting successful entrepreneurs and witnessing innovative projects can be highly motivating. Students may return home with newfound inspiration to pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures or innovative ideas.

Alternatively, they may use new knowledge acquired through the trip to enhance their employability, developing new entrepreneurial and business skills which can be applied within a job role. Through group workshops and fun, practical tasks, students will also develop and implement transferable skills linked with creativity and marketing. Students will be allocated practical tasks to complete during the trip, which will help them to develop and apply skills around digital marketing and social media.

Learning objectives

The world of work is changing, with more students launching their own side-hustle ventures alongside their studies, and more graduates working as freelancers or running their own businesses. On this trip, students will develop their professional learning of self-employment and freelancing in a City with a vibrant ‘start-up’ scene, and close ties to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Through visits to relevant local organisations (such as Start-up Lab) and a partner University (HVL), as well as DMU Made led interactive workshops, students will develop an understanding of entrepreneurial behaviours and key DMU Graduate Attributes (including ‘Be Enterprising’), and apply new skills via team tasks. Participants will undertake a number of creative activities learning and applying social media and digital marketing skills.

Skill development

This opportunity has been designed to help develop the following DMU Graduate Attributes:

Creativity

Growth mindset

Collaboration

Communication

Cultural activities

Bergen is a beautiful part of the world, with many sights, tourist attractions, museums and incredible eateries! Students are recommended to visit the Bryggen World Heritage Site, which is the key historical part of the city. Also, you are recommended to stroll through the charming neighbourhood of Nygårdshøyden, known for its well-preserved wooden houses and vibrant street art, a unique blend of historic and modern culture.

In February, you can expect wintry weather, which can mean heavy showers and often lots of snow! Weather permitting, students could consider a hike up one of Bergen’s seven mountains, or alternatively take the cable car to get fantastic views of city. Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken are the most accessible and offer multiple trails to choose from.   The early morning cold water swims, followed by a sauna and coffee are also highly recommended!