'I recommend the Entrepreneurship & Innovation track to everybody who likes to be challenged and to think out of the box.'
Anastasia Schmaltz, Business Administration: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
‘I chose Entrepreneurship and Innovation because I was eager to learn the techniques and tools that established corporations use to stay innovative in our dynamic world. Personally, I was also very interested in entrepreneurship, and curious to see how this discipline would be taught at a university. The UvA was a great choice as the E&I track combines these two subjects in a one-year programme and has an excellent ranking among European universities. Furthermore, Amsterdam's rich start-up culture provides the right setting for these studies.
I can surely say that the programme exceeded my expectations. Firstly because of the close relationship between professors and students and the support during the thesis writing period. Secondly, and most importantly, because of the practical orientation of the track. Theories were discussed using recent examples from the business world and guest lecturers were able to introduce us to innovation instruments and entrepreneurship techniques by sharing their experiences. Overall, I was able to not only get familiar with the study content but also develop a distinctive creative and analytical mind-set. This will help me deal with both professional as personal challenges.
Studying at the Amsterdam Business School means being part of a large international community with fellow students who are ambitious to learn together and from each other. The importance of teamwork is stressed and practiced throughout the programme. You are expected to manage your time efficiently by working on several assignments at the same time and by meeting strict deadlines. Again, it is worth mentioning the practical focus of the programme, referring to the Business Administration Seminar in the first study block. Prominent speakers from different companies gave guest lectures in the impressive setting of the Royal Theatre Carré.
Thanks to my track coordinators, I was able to get in touch with one of the guest speakers and to do my thesis research on service innovation in a five months internship. This opportunity resulted in a job in innovation management, which I started some weeks after submitting my thesis. It’s an enormous privilege to start my career in a field that meets my interests and that builds on the theories I’ve learned in the lecture halls. I didn't expect to stay in Holland after graduation, but looking back, I wouldn't do it any other way! I recommend the Entrepreneurship & Innovation track to everybody who likes to be challenged and to think out of the box. You certainly won't be disappointed.’