“Whilst studying for my MSc in Sports Therapy at the University of Lincoln, I was made aware of some additional courses I could undertake alongside my degree, these being Level 3 and Level 4 in Sports Massage. The successful completion of these meant I could set up a small business providing sports massage alongside my studies. I achieved this by renting a room at a gym and advertising to the customers attending the gym. This proved successful and gave me the confidence to offer a wider range of services in Sports Therapy when I completed my MSc.

My business began to grow as I had an existing customer base and also customers through recommendations; I therefore went on to rent a room in a more accessible space in a clinic. This allowed me to expand my services and take on more clients. I am now running a successful full-time business which I really enjoy.

My time at university really helped, it gave me the relevant education plus the placements helped me decide what I wanted to do. University and placements are also good places to create networks, which are really important for advise and support, and I still use these.”

“If I had a message for any student who is thinking about setting up a business it would be: Take every opportunity you can whilst you are at university, explore as many work experience opportunities as you can, undertake extra-curricular activities and use the lecturers to give you expert advice and guidance. All of these will really help you decide what you want to do plus give you the extra bit of confidence you need to set up a business.

Also do not be afraid of setting up a small business whilst you are studying, as this will help you recognise if it is a viable option, give you confidence, and also give you a potential client base should you decide to expand.

Go for it!”

(Abigail’s advice is featured in the latest College of Social Science Employability Newsletter)