Freelancers: Next Gen with Matt Dowling

Redefining Success: Changes In the Way We Measure Entrepreneurial Graduates – Marcus Simmons (Falmouth University)

Reacting to the news that there are to be changes in the way we measure graduate outcomes in the entrepreneurial space, we dusted off the podcast kit and reached out to Marcus Simmons who runs MSc Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management at Falmouth University, to record an emergency bonus pod. Marcus is someone who lives at the cutting edge of enterprise education and entrepreneurial development; an experienced enterprise lecturer, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and a master of creating outstanding, innovative business learning experiences that truly resonate with students. In this episode, we break down some major shifts in how startups and freelancers are being reported — changes that could have a serious ripple effect on universities and how they track and support entrepreneurial success. We also get into the knowledge gap exposed by the Graduate Outcomes Survey and why it's actually an exciting opportunity for institutions to rethink how they support their next-gen entrepreneurial cohorts. This one's packed with real-world insight and forward-thinking ideas that could shape the future of enterprise support in higher education — and ultimately lead to more meaningful success for freelancers, founders, and students alike. Let's get into it. Freelancer Club [https://freelancerclub.net/] Falmouth Entrepreneurship [https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/entrepreneurship]

How Soon Is Too Soon? Teaching problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking at school with Ed Fidoe (School 21 & LIS)

In today's episode, we spend time with a true disruptor in the education space. Ed Fidoe is the Chief Executive of the London Interdisciplinary School, a new kind of university that breaks down traditional academic barriers, focusing on real-world, problem-based learning. Before founding LIS, Ed co-founded School 21, a pioneering school in East London that's transforming how young people learn by emphasising skills like oracy and critical thinking. Ed has also advised top educational institutions like Cambridge University, LSE, and Eton College, and has been at the forefront of reimagining how we prepare the next generation for an increasingly complex world. School 21 [https://school21.org.uk/] The London Interdisciplinary School [https://www.lis.ac.uk/] Freelancer Club [https://freelancerclub.net/]

Why Can't We Engage Students? Getting to the root of the student engagement crisis with Libby Anson (Glasgow School of Art) and Mhairi Threlfall (Uni of the West of England)

Here at Freelancer Club, we frequently have conversations with universities, and a common theme has emerged—the growing challenge of student engagement. Whether it's low attendance at extracurricular activities, a feeling of disconnect from the academic environment, or a general lack of enthusiasm for the university experience, this issue is becoming more prevalent. While some attribute it to COVID, the cost of living, mental health or a generational shift in priorities, others believe there's something deeper going on. Today, we're diving into the student engagement crisis with our guests, Mhairi Threlfall, Enterprise Consultant at UWE Bristol and Libby Anson, Student Employment and Enterprise Manager at the Glasgow School of Art. We'll explore the dramatic shift in the student experience over the past decade, why universities need to adapt, and the role of innovative communication strategies, hybrid delivery, and fresh solutions to these modern challenges. Freelancer Club [https://freelancerclub.net/university-partners] The University of the West of England Bristol [https://www.uwe.ac.uk/] The Glasgow School of Art [https://www.gsa.ac.uk/]

Freelancing Through University with Graduates Manaz Javaid and Elijah McDonnell

In today's episode, we share the journeys of two emerging freelancers, Manaz Javaid and Elijah McDonnell, whom we had the pleasure of working with during separate programmes at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Westminster respectively. We explore what motivated them to join a freelance programme, their initial expectations, and the key insights they've gained from the experience. We also delve into the value of building connections with fellow participants and how universities can foster these relationships. Listen as these ambitious solopreneurs discuss how freelance programmes have shaped their careers and what universities can do to better support aspiring freelancers. We'll also touch on the role educational institutions play in nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Whether you're a student thinking about freelancing, an educator, or just curious about the freelance world, this episode offers firsthand perspectives on the challenges and rewards of launching a freelance career straight out of university.

Debunking the Myth: Creatives in Business Don't Mix with Alison Lowe MBE (University of East London)

In this episode of Freelancers: Next Gen, we sit down with the formidable Director of Careers and Enterprise for the School of Arts and Creative Industries at the University of East London, a renowned educator, and an influential force in the world of creative business, Alison Lowe MBE. We explore the challenges faced by creative freelancers, the role of educators in the creative field, the value of unconventional thinkers, and how educators can better prepare future freelancers. Additionally, we delve into the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation. FreelancerClub.net [https://freelancerclub.net/] University of East London [https://eastlondontalent.uel.ac.uk/] References mentioned in this episode: Rise, Freelancer programme [https://freelancerclub.net/rise-freelancer] Alchemy by Rory Sutherland [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alchemy-Surprising-Power-Ideas-Sense/dp/0753556502]