Entrepreneurship & Placement Readiness in Tallinn and Helsinki

Independence

Trip price

Trip duration

All DMU students are eligible to participate on this opportunity, irrespective of their faculty or course. 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. Additionally, first and second year undergraduates interested in doing a work placement in the future are are encouraged to apply. There are a maximum of 30 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Trip description

Tallinn is known throughout the world as one of the most pioneering locations for innovation and start-ups. In recent years, many Entrepreneurs and businesses have relocated from Silicon Valley in America to the city, because of its rich and diverse capabilities in business.

During the trip, students will participate in a number of activities focused on freelancing, self-employment and entrepreneurship. There will be an emphasis on placement readiness; This means students will learn about personal branding, how to apply entrepreneurial skills within a placement role, the importance of sustainability and unique extracurricular skills that employees are looking for.

Activities may include:

Also, as part of the trip there is an optional trip to Helsinki to visit the Sustainability department at the University of Helsinki. This additional visit will require students to pay (£70) for the ferry between Tallinn and Helsinki.

Why take part?

Students interested in undertaking a placement will benefit from a dedicated programme of workshops, site visits and activities designed to make them “placement ready”. This will include learning about and applying entrepreneurial and creative skills.

Students will also learn about freelancing, self-employment, side-hustles and startups. What does it take to be your own boss? What qualities and skills are required? What can be learnt from a hugely innovative place like Estonia?

Learning objectives

Participating in a DMU Global opportunity can help you develop a range of employability skills and competencies that enhance your studies. Through participation in this trip to Estonia we expect that students will:

Participants will take part in workshops before, during and after the event which are all relevant to developing entrepreneurial skills which can be applied within a future job role or within the participants own business ventures. Tallinn is particularly favoured by tech and creative startups, although it is also home to many designer-makers, photographers and artists.

Cultural activities

Tallinn is a very cultural city, with art galleries, museums, many bakeries, cafes and restaurants. Highlights include: the UNESCO-listed Tallinn Old Town, where medieval cobblestone streets come alive with outdoor cafes and local artisans. The Kadriorg Palace and Park, a beautifully landscaped area that bursts into colourful bloom in May, and is worth a visit. In addition, a visit to the Tallinn Photography gallery (£10) will be arranged.

In their free time students may also choose to visit the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Toompea Hill. Alternatively, to learn about the innovative and contemporary art scene in Estonia, you may wish to visit Kumu Art Museum.