Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs have a knack for recognising and seizing opportunities by identifying innovations, solutions, products and services that improve user experience. People with a scientific mindset are natural problem solvers much like entrepreneurs. Many innovations such as Virtual Reality headsets, 3D printing and self-driving cars, arose from Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) areas.

Entrepreneurship applies innovative concepts to human problems, providing unique and valuable solutions to users. An entrepreneur’s implementation of innovation often disrupts the market and shapes consumer behaviour. Since its inception, Uber has changed the taxi industry beyond measure. People needing transport can now organise pick-up through their smartphone, tracking their rides’ progress in real-time.

An entrepreneur's expertise lies in recognising market demand and customer needs before other businesses. They achieve this via a problem-solving mindset and big picture thinking. STEM areas like Aviation, Data Science, Microbiology, Astronomy and Biotechnologies are ripe for entrepreneurial disruption given they rely on the constant evolution of technology. Disruption can occur by finding better ways to utilise data, listening to customer needs and developing new technologies and more

Careers in Entrepreneurship

A career in entrepreneurship combines a mix of experience, skills and interests. What you study at university will influence the areas of entrepreneurship you choose as a career path. Professionals in this field work across all sectors but specialise in their area of expertise.

This career-path often means a lot more freedom and self-determination than other careers. Many entrepreneurs are their own boss, and the concept or idea they bring to fruition is their own company.

Entrepreneurs can also pursue careers in traditional organisations. Many projects within large organisations often rely on an entrepreneur who understands the importance of business and research planning for innovation.

To be a successful entrepreneur in areas relating to STEM, a relevant education is generally required. UNSW Science degrees provide an edge over other institutions and prepares you for the competitive job market of today.

Relevant Roles

    • Business Development Manager
    • Freelancer
    • Innovator
    • Consultant
    • Product Manager
    • Business Owner
    • Chief Executive Officer
    • Software Developer
    • Influencer
    • Blogger
    • Digital Nomad
    • E-Commerce Specialist
    • Account Executive

    Career Paths at UNSW

    If you’re interested in a future as an entrepreneur, UNSW Science can provide a great foundation. Study in science develops problem-solving skills, logical thinking, mathematics knowledge and other analytical expertise. The flexible design of our degrees incorporates knowledge from a range of STEM areas and provides you with a broad base of knowledge.

    At UNSW you will get support to develop your entrepreneurial and leadership skills through our programs such as the UNSW Founders Program, which imparts entrepreneurial confidence and is the largest student startup program in Australia. The program offers learnings that you can apply to your future career in any entrepreneurial profession.

    You can also engage with Enactus, an international not-for-profit organisation that collaborates with leaders in business and academia through entrepreneurial projects.

    Our partnership with the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship will provide you with access to a 10-week, online program teaching the design thinking process. Through real-life examples and creative problem solving, you’ll learn in a fast-paced environment that will ensure you’re job-ready.

    Undergraduate Degrees
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    UNSW Science undergraduate degrees prepare you for real-world challenges. You can choose from majors that are relevant to today’s world such as Climate Dynamics, Marine and Coastal Science, Bioinformatics, Earth Science and Molecular and Cell Biology.

    You can wait until your second year to select a major in your undergraduate study. This will allow you to explore your interests and curiosity and discover your path for future study later.

    A double degree is a great choice for future entrepreneurs. It provides a broader level of expertise that includes the business skills that entrepreneurs require. You can choose from 37 programs of study in Science, while also studying subject areas in other faculties such as Business, Law and Arts and Social Sciences.

    Advanced Science degrees offer a deeper dive into a specialised area. An undergraduate honours program will give you the opportunity to conduct an original piece of research.

    Postgraduate Degrees
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    Entrepreneurs often build on their knowledge with postgraduate study. Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas are the first stages of postgraduate study and can offer a pathway to a Master’s degree. Some postgraduate degrees are also available in a flexible online format so you can schedule study around your work commitments. Many of these programs have been developed with extensive industry consultation to focus on the business side of innovation.

    We offer specialist postgraduate degrees in:

    If you're interested in research degrees at the highest levels, you should consider a Masters by Research or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

    Where Our Graduates Work

    portrait picture of a graduate student

    "Through the Bachelor of Science, I learnt to think critically, structure an argument, appreciate different perspectives, lead teams and constantly challenge myself.  I then completed a Master in Art & Design which allowed me to combine the scientific method with creative thinking to find innovative solutions to complex problems. This ability is key to my current role as a brand growth strategy consultant within my own business.  I work with purpose-driven businesses and non-profits across Australia and overseas to help them thrive so they can change the world for the better."

    Lauren Kress - The Business Scientist®️. Founder of The Change Makers Collective 
    UNSW Bachelor of Science alumni