Diary of an Associate: Bella

Introduce yourself...

Hi! I'm Bella. I am in my second year of studying BA English and have been wonderfully enriched by my position at the Entrepreneurship Institute as an Enterprise Award Associate.

My favourite emoji is ✨ - I use it for just about everything!

Why did you apply to be an Associate at the Entrepreneurship Institute?

I completed the Enterprise Award during my first year at King's and loved it. Connecting with studies of the human psyche in the context of entrepreneurship was brand new to me, and I was hooked early on.

When I came across the Associate openings, I was immediately drawn to the role supporting the Enterprise Award. Why? Because the job description was varied, comprised of many diverse skills both different and was relevant to my previous experience. And yet most importantly: I was enthusiastic about supporting students in engaging meaningfully with the course that had impacted me so positively. 

You're studying BA English at King's. How has being an Associate complemented your degree?

As an English student, I expected little overlap between my degree and my Associate position at the Entrepreneurship Institute - but I was pleasantly surprised!

My academic skills in critical thinking and close textual analysis were incredibly valuable when it came to written communications and content development in my role as an Associate. During my time at the Entrepreneurship Institute, I gained practical experience and competency in public speaking, event coordination, newsletter writing, spreadsheet management, and one-to-one collaboration with a manager. Notably, my abilities in time management have also changed for the better! All things that I could take back and utilise in my degree. 

How were you able to balance being an Associate alongside your studies? Any top tips?

Aside from fixed events and workshops, I allocated a consistent weekly slot in my calendar to work on Associate projects and responsibilities. For example, Tuesday mornings were dedicated to working on my assignments for the Entrepreneurship Institute. I had regular meetings with my manager to maintain clear communication, align expectations, and ensure flexibility around shifting demands.

Now you’re reaching the end of the Associate role, what are your top 3 highlights?

1. Researching and writing an article on comfort zones, published as part of the Enterprise Award course. I loved contributing in this way to the programme, especially as a budding writer.

2. Organising and hosting a social event in the Entrepreneurship Institute space was great experience in event planning, as well as a unique opportunity to engage directly with the Enterprise Award community.

3. Forming relationships across the Institute has been an ongoing highlight - from my fellow student Associates, to the different teams at the Entrepreneurship Institute, and founders on the King's Start-up Accelerator. I’ve enhanced both my professional network alongside my personal one!

How will you use the skills and experiences you’ve gained as an Associate going forward?

The range of skills acquired as an Associate has been wide. As I enter my final year and start making decisions for the future, I consider my professional development well-shaped, whatever industry I find myself in. The scope of the role means I can confidently navigate new collaborative environments, manage independent projects, and adapt to evolving responsibilities.

And finally, what would be your one piece of advice for future Associates at the Entrepreneurship Institute?

Be proactive in voicing your opinion! Contribute, contribute, contribute - individual insights, perspectives, and ideas are more than welcomed at the Entrepreneurship Institute.

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Each year, the Entrepreneurship Institute offers flexible, part-time and paid roles to current King’s students. Read more about our Associate positions.