A group of MTU students – including some from Crawford College Departments - returned from Lahti, Finland this week after taking part in an innovative programme aimed at encouraging a culture of entrepreneurship among students from a range of disciplines. 

Entitled ‘European Creative Futures’, now in its 13th year, this Erasmus Intensive Programme was hosted by LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lahti, Finland to bring together students from European countries with the aim of promoting business acumen and entrepreneurial know how among students intending to pursue careers in the creative industries. 
 
This week-long programme of intensive study and practical learning allowed 40 students to share experiences, points of view and learn together about entrepreneurship. 

The fourteen MTU students came from a wide range of programmes of study including Public Relations, Fine Art, Multimedia, Music, Journalism, Business Information Systems and Business. They were joined by 26 students from similar backgrounds from Finland, Norway and the Netherlands for the programme. 

From the outset, the students worked in small multi-disciplinary groups generating business ideas and carried out market research to identify target markets and pitched their ideas to industry mentors. Students learned by doing through a series of interactive lectures, group discussions and workshops. 

Ensuring it wasn’t all work, the Finnish hosts organised a full schedule of social and cultural activities for the students – experiences enjoyed by all. 

With thanks to all who made the trip possible, including Emmett Coffey and Frank O’Donovan, from Media Comms, who travelled with the students and taught on the programme and ensured that all participants including our own MTU students had a great learning experience and a memorable week.