Balancing theory and practice in entrepreneurship
Vanessa da Costa is passionate about creative thinking and problem-solving. “I am driven by thinking creatively and solving problems that can make a difference. And something vital in entrepreneurship is finding innovative solutions and daring to challenge the status quo”
Practical learning and business connections
Vanessa highlights the importance of practical learning and the close ties to the business community at the School. “I appreciate the focus on practical learning and the close connection to the business community through, for example, GU Ventures. Working with real projects and ideas and applying theories and concepts has been important for my learning and development. The interactive teaching has contributed to an engaging and stimulating learning environment,” she explains.
She also values the social aspect of her time at the School. “In addition to my academic experiences, my time at the School has been socially enriching, meeting people and making friendships that I will carry with me throughout my life,” Vanessa adds.
Choosing the right programme
Vanessa’s decision to study at the School was influenced by her desire for a broad education that could open various career paths. “During high school, I knew that I wanted to continue studying and the Bachelor’s programme in Business and Economics was an easy choice for me, as was the School of Business, Economics and Law. I wanted to study a broad programme that could open doors to several different types of jobs. I also really enjoyed living in Gothenburg,” she says.
Her interest in applying theory to practice led her to the MSc Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship. “During the bachelor’s programme, I felt that I wanted to continue studying and study a Master’s programme. I chose MSc KBE as I wanted to explore the possibility to apply theory and knowledge in practice and to use my creativity,” Vanessa says.
Recommendations for prospective students
Vanessa believes the School’s international atmosphere is a significant advantage. “I think it is positive that the School attracts students not only from all over Sweden but from all over the world, creating a multicultural and international atmosphere. This became especially clear to me now during the Master’s programme, where the class consists of many students who have chosen to move to Sweden to study,” she notes.
She also appreciates the international opportunities offered by the School. “At the same time, the School offers students a variety of international opportunities, including exchange programmes and international internships. I am going on an exchange semester, at EDHEC in Nice, and will have the opportunity to immerse myself in areas that I am interested in and in this case, I have chosen courses from their Master’s in Corporate Finance & Banking,” Vanessa shares.
Insights on lecturers and teaching
Vanessa describes the lecturers at the School as knowledgeable and committed. “The lecturers at the School are very knowledgeable and committed to their fields. Many of them have extended experience of both research and practice, which has given me a lot of knowledge and new insights. From my experience, our lecturers are often available for questions and discussions both during and after the lessons, which I have really appreciated! The proximity to the teachers has created a stimulating and rewarding learning environment,” she says.
She also notes the difference in teaching styles between the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. “During the Bachelor’s Programme, the lectures were more traditional, with more focus on basic theories and concepts, to a much larger group of students. Now at the Master’s level, my experience has been that the lectures and lecturers have been more interactive and workshop-based. The students are expected to participate in discussions, reason and take in others’ perspectives, which makes me learn better,” Vanessa explains.
Stimulating challenges and future plans
Studying entrepreneurship comes with motivating challenges, according to Vanessa. “Translating or linking theoretical concepts to real-life situations can be a stimulating challenge. In many cases, entrepreneurship requires creative problem-solving and innovative thinking, which can be difficult to apply through theory alone. But this also makes entrepreneurship exciting. I see uncertainty and risk as major both challenging and motivatingpoints that have emerged in the projects/tasks we have had at KBE. There is rarely an obvious solution or the right path to follow, which can be challenging because it requires flexibility and adaptability,” she says.
Vanessa is satisfied with her programme. “I am happy with KBE as a programme and have had a positive experience so far. The programme has offered a different and rewarding experience if I compare it to my previous education in economics with a focus on finance. The focus of the teaching on teamwork and practical application is something I view very favorably. I have not only had the opportunity to develop my theoretical knowledge and skills but also to prepare for the practical reality and future career,” she reflects.
Looking ahead, Vanessa is open to various career paths. “At the moment I am interested in working with many different things, but I can see myself working with business development, project management or similar where I get to influence and drive change,” she says.