Ready to shape the future of graduate careers?

Take our survey and share more about your experience as a student or recent graduate. With £2,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, you don't want to miss out!

Five Skills You Need to succeed with NEF

The NEF is an incredible programme that will give you a host of new skills - perhaps you already have them? Just in case, here are the top five skills you need to succeed with the NEF.

1. Open Mindedness

Willingness to embrace new ideas, skills & challenges is essential for getting the most out of the NEF. You’ll be exposed to a hundred new experiences, don’t waste them by thinking what you already know is right.

2. Creativity

Creativity can be developed and learning how to use this is essential. Thinking in new ways or combining ideas can be a powerful tool for an entrepreneur. It doesn’t mean you need to be painting frescos or writing poetry, but feeling confident that you can come up with novel solutions to problems will be critical. 

3. Perseverance

Drive and persistence are a key trait of many Entrepreneurs. Things will be difficult and not everything will come naturally, the NEF will put you outside of your comfort zone so keep the big picture in mind and keep on going!

4. Humility

It's easy to be overconfident, in fact entrepreneurship often values it. Successful entrepreneurs strike the right balance. There is a lot to learn from many smart people out there, take note and listen, it will be your turn soon so don’t rush. 

5. Focus

During your NEF year you will be doing many things at once; working at your host company or running your own business, as well as the NEF programme and many other demands on your time. Keeping focused is key, prioritising will help you achieve more and not spread yourself too thin.

Does this sound like you?

Discover here what NEF could do for your career.