NEWSROOM

Graduate shares views on the value of entrepreneurship in the working world

6 October 2020

Nicholas Bing, a recent graduate of the University of Auckland, was heavily involved in innovation and entrepreneurship while completing his Bachelors of Commerce and Arts. He reflects now on the impact that learning, developing, and practicing entrepreneurship at University has had on his work.

Nicholas’ interest in entrepreneurship was first ignited before he arrived at University. He says, “My passion started in year 13. I participated in the Young Enterprise Scheme as part of my business studies class which involved working on a business idea. This exposed me to the excitement and potential of entrepreneurship.” He then participated in Venture Up, a six week full-time start-up boot camp where he got to experience the real highs and lows of being an entrepreneur. “Going into university, I knew I wanted to do something in the innovation and entrepreneurship space. I didn’t know what, but I knew why.”

While studying, Nicholas took part in a number of free programmes run by the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship such as Velocity, where he went on to join the student committee in various roles including Alumni Lead, Sponsorship Lead, and Outreach. He says, “I joined the Velocity student committee because I had a passion for getting others started on their entrepreneurship journeys. I met a lot of new friends, made lasting memories and experienced stuff I never thought I would have done at university.” He advises students who are curious about the world of innovation and entrepreneurship to, like he did, take advantage of the “low risk, high reward” opportunities available to them at University.

The opportunities Nicholas took at University opened doors to a number of corporate innovation roles at places like Fonterra Ventures and, most recently, Z Energy. He became an Innovation Intern within the innovation team at Z Energy where he assisted with developing new ideas for customer-centered products and services designed for a moving world. “I got to really understand an industry facing a lot of disruption at the moment and learn from one of New Zealand’s most innovative companies. To be honest, I never really thought much about Z till I got into the heart of it. They have an innovation refinery with a team focused on building company wide capabilities around prototyping and testing new ideas. It was exciting and challenging work and I can definitely see myself having a career in this space.”

The research and analytical skills Nicholas developed at university have proven to be hugely valuable at work. “In today’s world there are so many ways that people can spin stats and information to their agenda. My four statistics papers taught me how to look beyond the surface or headline and not believe everything that is presented to you. The ability to grab raw data and make links to insights is an invaluable skill for all – including entrepreneurs.”

Nicholas is currently working as a Digital Account Executive at Lion’s Share, a marketing agency, and continues to integrate entrepreneurial mindsets and practices into his day to day life. He says, “Entrepreneurship is the idea of going into the unknown and adapting to the situation you are in. It’s not just business. It’s a lifestyle that can be applied regardless of industry, job or career. Covid has presented so many unknowns for the future, but am I worried? No, as I know my plan and vision for myself and can constantly assess, adjust and adapt to continue working towards them.”

Thinking about the future, Nicholas has big plans for himself, New Zealand, and the world. He believes that “You study business for the purpose of making money, but practice entrepreneurship for the purpose of making change. I love the big brain thinking behind every idea. I think every New Zealander could get behind a Big Hairy Audacious Goal and together we can positively grow New Zealand’s presence on the world stage.”

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