UUBC 2019
Analytically sharp?
From Utrecht?
Excellent student?
Why apply?
Learn more
Learn about both entrepeneurship and consultancy.
Meet people in the business
Get in touch with large companies and startups.
Grow your network
Meet like-minded people and make friends for a lifetime.
Impact the Dutch business community
Directly apply what you've learned and help the community.
Programme overview
Intention
The Utrecht University Business Course (UUBC) was created in the academic year 2012/2013 for UU’s most excellent master’s students that want to go beyond academic training by making a mark on the world outside. The stand out feature of our business course is that it is not exclusive for students enrolled in business oriented programmes. Rather, this course is aimed at thinkers and researchers that have honed their academic capabilities and, in doing so, realise that either working at or starting a company is the next step for them to see their ideas come true.
Timeline
The UUBC’s 12-week program starts in February 2025 and lasts till May. Every week you attend a 2-hour workshop. In addition, you will need ±2-4 hours a week (some weeks a little more) to work on the challenges with your team in order to develop your ideas.
Content
The introduction weekend kicks off the UUBC journey. We will introduce you to the two core components of the UUBC: consultancy and entrepreneurship. During the weekend you will get to know each other, and there will be an introduction to the board and to your fellow participants. Inspirational speakers will tell something about their career or experience in relation to entrepreneurship and consultancy. You will share your visions with one another and, by the end of the weekend, you will be assigned into groups to tackle the first half of the programme which covers everything about entrepreneurship.
In a series of workshops led by experienced professionals, you will develop a start-up idea with your team. You will get all the freedom to work on an entrepreneurial idea and bring it to fruiton. With a support network of alumni and enthusiastic entrepreneurs, you will taste the freedom, pleasure, and pressure of being an entrepreneur. At the end of the first half of the programme, you will pitch your idea to a jury. You will be assessed on the quality of your pitch and on the potential of your idea. There can only be one winner, so bring it on!
In the second half of the programme, consultancy will be the main subject. Through workshops given by consultants from top firms, you learn about all the practical tools used in constructing solutions for the many needs of a company. For top firms you can think of firms such as Accenture, Kearney, PwC, KPMG, and Deloitte. Again you are assigned into a group, and you will be tasked with solving a business case for a particular (real!) company; a great opportunity to network and to practice the use of your freshly taught tools and techniques. After presenting your solution to the client, the best group will receive an award! Do you accept the challenge?!
What will you learn?
Entrepreneurship
In the first part of the course, your group will develop a start-up idea. You will learn how to validate your ideas and work your way to a feasible product. Learn about ideation, problem-solution fit, minimum viable product and all other useful skills to become a successful entrepreneur. Get in touch with your future customers and start building something great. At the end of the course, you will pitch your ideas in a Dragons’ Den to an audience of potential investors and experts.
Consultancy
In the second part of the course, you will learn what it’s like to work as a consultant. Each team will be assigned a case from a real company to solve. The following weeks, you will attend workshops from real consultants, working at top firms. Practical analyses, techniques and effective communication skills are part of the secret to become a savvy consultant. With guidance of these professionals you will learn to systematically tackle the case and present your advice in an effective manner.
Teamwork
During the program, you will work intensely in a team together with four to five other students with different backgrounds. As a team, you will have to solve complex problems and generate your own ideas. Working this way provides a great opportunity to see different viewpoints and improve your teamwork skills.
Real experience
During the course, you will not just learn new theories. The program is focused on getting out in the real world and gaining valuable experience that is applicable in real-life situations. Taking initiative and working together is key during this program. We will help you with the right knowledge and support, everything else is completely up to you!