- The University has become one of only five institutions to join an initiative offering students practical, hands-on support from seasoned entrepreneurs
- Marketing Mavericks provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to turn students' self-employment dreams into reality
- This summer, the course is available to all 18,000 Aston University students.
Aston University has become one of only five institutions to join an initiative offering students practical, hands-on support from seasoned entrepreneurs to help them establish their own businesses.
Marketing Mavericks, created by Midlands entrepreneur Vic Taylor, provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to turn students' self-employment dreams into reality. The programme, which is now being offered at Aston University, has already assisted numerous students in launching businesses alongside their studies or while traveling post-graduation.
The initiative, which provides practical and real-life support to help students realise that starting their own business is possible, is a response to concerning statistics showing that only 2% of freelancers felt adequately educated about self-employment during their university years.
Marketing Mavericks was conceived in 2020 during the COVID 19 lockdown when Vic identified a lack of support for graduates interested in starting their own business with many lacking the confidence to take the first steps into self-employment. Driven by her passion for helping young people see the benefits of starting their own businesses, she now aims to reach over 5,000 students to raise awareness of self-employment opportunities by 2026.
Ranked within the top 10% of global institutions and renowned for its excellence in business and management, Aston University is setting a new precedent. For the first time, students are participating in the initial phase of Marketing Mavericks, a programme designed to help young people explore entrepreneurship and determine if it suits them.
This summer, the course is available to all 18,000 Aston University students. The University is recognised as one of the UK’s leading business schools for supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and played a crucial role in launching the national Help to Grow: Management program.
Vic Taylor, who leads Marketing Mavericks, said:
“We are thrilled to have Aston University students join our program.
“While there is a wealth of information on entrepreneurship and theory, what young people need are practical skills to boost their confidence and realise that starting a business is possible.
“Marketing Mavericks bridges this gap, offering step-by-step assistance to make business aspirations a reality.
“Even those who decide freelancing isn’t for them gain invaluable transferrable business skills that benefit their future careers.
“Our courses are continually oversubscribed, highlighting the demand for practical entrepreneurship education.”
Dr Uche Ogwude, program director of MSc Business and Management at Aston University, said:
“At Aston Business School, we prioritise offering our students a diverse array of opportunities to foster their growth and success in various fields.
“In today’s economic environment, it is essential that our students are well-equipped for the next phase of their careers.
“Courses, such as the Marketing Mavericks programme, provide invaluable practical, hands-on experience in business management and we believe that by providing such robust educational experiences, we empower our students to navigate and thrive in the competitive global marketplace.”
For more information on the course and how it trains the next generation of entrepreneurs, click here.
- Notes to Editors
More about Marketing Mavericks
Aston University joins Glasgow University, Nottingham Business School at Nottingham Trent University, Liverpool John Moores University, and the University of Derby as the first institutions to adopt this innovative program. Vic, the creator of the UK’s first energy ball recipe kit, brings over two decades of corporate marketing experience to the program. Her accolades include being named the UK and Ireland’s Best Marketing Adviser in the Enterprise Nation Awards 2022, recognised for her specialist marketing support that helps businesses achieve ambitious growth.
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk.
For media inquiries related to Marketing Mavericks and Vic Taylor’s support within universities please contact Cheryl Morris at Creative Word PR on 07725 195642 or email cheryl@creativewordpr.co.uk
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