Callan Maguire
Uni-Fyed Language Exchange
Course: World Languages
Year of study: 4th year
College: University College Cork
Business name: Uni-fyed Language Exchange
Sector: Education
Business idea: Online social networking platform for language learners that allows them to find language partners in their own local community.
Plans for September 2020
I have been accepted onto the IGNITE programme in UCC to develop my business further
Student Inc. Programme Highlights:
I loved the lunch and learn sessions. It was great to hear local entrepreneurs share their success stories and give us advice on what got them through some tough setbacks.
The check-ins were also great because we could get advice/help from our university contacts on a weekly basis.
Any previous entrepreneurship experience before you joined Student Inc.?
I was part of the Blackstone Launchpad programme in UCC. They set up seminars like Start-Up labs that were very practical.
I also took part in the UCC Entrepreneur awards and the Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneurship Awards.
What connections did you make on the programme?
Through the programme, I was given the opportunity to meet a lot of likeminded individuals around the same age as myself which was great. I also made contacts with experienced entrepreneurs and language lecturers in UCC thanks to Student Inc.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of applying to Student Inc.?
Any student who is serious about opening their own business should apply for this programme. It will give you the practical skills you need to change your idea into a viable business in three months.
What was your greatest learning from the programme?
The business plan you started out with is rarely the one that will work. Entrepreneurs need to know when to make small changes in their plans and pivot when faced with challenges they cannot overcome.