Introduction
Cambridge is an internationally renowned hub of entrepreneurial activity, and its "Silicon Fen" moniker is well-earned. Cambridge University Technology and Enterprise Club (CUTEC) is a leading student-run organisation that seeks to nurture and enhance the entrepreneurial spirit amongst academics and students.
The club is mainly run by students who are passionate about science and entrepreneurship, supported by advisors drawn from the local business community. The multicultural CUTEC membership consists of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, MBA students and professionals, united by a shared passion for entrepreneurialism and business. Many are already actively working on establishing or growing their own businesses.
Through CUTEC, members can connect with their peers, and with the wider business community, including industry experts and potential investors. CUTEC hosts a wide range of events, including talks, panel discussions, workshops, mentoring and networking sessions, helping members to acquire the necessary business insights, knowhow, soft skills and connections to make their visions happen.
Every year, CUTEC organises the Technology Ventures Conference (TVC) one of the world's largest student-led entrepreneurial conferences. In 2011, the conference attracted 400 delegates from the UK, Europe and further afield, and was keynoted by George Whitesides, the CEO and President of Virgin Galactic. The 2012 TVC conference is planned for June 2012, and will tackle the theme "Innovation in an Uncertain World".
CUTEC and you
Through attending the various events organised by CUTEC and collaborating clubs, you will have the chance to interact with entrepreneurs, students and business professionals. They could potentially take your business idea to the next stage, or help you develop your experience and professional profile.
In the intellectually stimulating environment provided by CUTEC, you frequently find opportunities to learn something new and see how things work in practice. CUTEC members get to exchange opinions at events, and connect in exciting and lively debates. These can also be a great source of inspiration both for your resume and for your future career.
If you are looking for ideas, thinking about starting your own venture, looking for a team, or just seeking to gain experience, get involved with CUTEC now!
THE EXTRA STEP: HELP RUN CUTEC
While CUTEC members enjoy a wealth of networking and learning opportunities, there are many additional benefits for those willing to get more actively involved and take a hands-on role in the running of the society.
You can acquire real life business experience, and experience working in multicultural, close-knit teams within a small organisation comprised of some of the best entrepreneurial minds of Cambridge, supported by advisers and sponsors drawn from the wider business community.
Each of the 5 teams that comprise CUTEC plays a distinct but pivotal role in the organisation of the society's events and workshops, and the TVC conference. This gives you the opportunity to choose a team that most closely matches your abilities and ambitions. If the fit isn't quite right, you will have the opportunity to switch to a different team later.
BY JOINING ONE OF CUTEC'S TEAM YOU WILL GAIN…
Hands on real life business experience
Each of CUTEC's 5 teams is responsible for a particular range of tasks. Through working with the club, you will be able to experience what it's like to be part of a serious organisation, and be in control of activities such as the promotion, or the organisation and coordination, of a vast array of tasks and events.
Multicultural experience
CUTEC team members come from all over the world, and from a wide range of situations and backgrounds. In the Global economy, it is becoming increasingly important to manage cultural differences both at the personal and at the corporate level. By participating in CUTEC, you can get a real taste of what it's like to work in a multinational organisation.
A unique opportunity to receive mentoring from experienced business professionals
Although many CUTEC events are open to the membership at large, additional mentoring sessions are put on by experienced professionals to train CUTEC team members in skills ranging from team building to innovation.
Participating in CUTEC can be summed up in few words: the more you put in, the more you get out
