Pull up a chair: why students belong at EEUK 

By the Bangor University delegates (Rebecca Jones, Suzy Clarkson, Hanxiong Zhang, Stephanie Steventon, Sebastian Medina Caballero, Lizzie Richards) 

 

Figure 1: Welsh delegates at IEEC 2026 (left-right: Sebastian Medina Caballero, Lizzie Richards, Suzy Clarkson, Rebecca Jones, Stephanie Steventon, Ruth Rowe, Hanxiong Zhang, Alex Hubbard, Steve Aicheler [Vicky Matthers Photography]) 

If we want students to take enterprise seriously, we need to show them that we do too. 

That is one of the reasons we at Bangor University have been so keen to bring students to the Enterprise Educators UK (EEUK) conference. We work hard to embed enterprise and employability throughout the student experience, creating opportunities for students to develop and recognise their enterprising skills both in and outside of the curriculum. But there is also value in taking that learning beyond the university and giving students the opportunity to see the wider enterprise education community in action.  

Last year, we brought our Students’ Union President, Yakubu Jidda, and this year, we brought two of our Student Career Coaches (Student Career Coaches are trained student peer mentors who provide practical, peer-to-peer employability support to fellow students), Lizzie Richards and Sebastian Medina Caballero. Each experience has reinforced for us the importance of giving students a seat at the table, rather than simply talking about them around it. Interestingly, taking a seat at the table was also a theme we explored at this year’s conference. It prompted some valuable conversations about what meaningful involvement in enterprise education looks like. We need to consider whether students are simply participants in activities designed for them, or are we creating opportunities for them to shape, influence and contribute to the enterprise agenda? For us at Bangor University, it is the latter. Indeed, this is why we brought our students along with us. For us, giving students a genuine seat at the table is not simply an aspiration, it is embedded in how we work, and this commitment to embedding and responding to student voice and working in partnership was recognised as one of the commendations in our most recent Quality Enhancement Review. 

Bringing our students to EEUK gives them the opportunity to see first-hand the scale, ambition and professionalism of enterprise education across the sector. They can meet enterprise educators, hear different perspectives and understand the investment that universities are making in developing enterprising graduates. By bringing students into these professional spaces, we demonstrate that their ideas, experiences and perspectives have value. 

Sometimes, the best way to demonstrate the value of enterprise is not to explain it, but to pull up a chair, make room at the table and invite students to join the conversation. Perhaps we actually need to make the table longer and keep pulling up more chairs.  

Yakubu Jidda said: 

‘Attending the EEUK25, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. It was a conference largely of a community of people genuinely committed to helping students succeed. I listened to inspiring conversations about employability, innovation, and the future of higher education, and I saw firsthand how universities are working together to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world. As the only student participant, I felt welcomed throughout the conference and it reminded me how valuable student voices can be in these discussions. In my opinion many of the ideas being explored could be richer if more learners were part of them. Beyond the sessions, the networking opportunities were invaluable. I connected with people whose work focuses on research, sustainability, energy, and skills development, and I learned how collaboration across these areas can create meaningful benefits for local communities. Those conversations continue to inspire me. I arrived as a participant but left with new ideas, connections and renewed sense of what’s possible’ 

 

Figure 2: Yakubu at the2025 Conference (Will Johnston Photography) 

Sebastian Medina Caballero said:  

‘Attending the 20th International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference (IEEC) at Nottingham Trent University was an incredibly enriching experience. As a student delegate, it was a genuine privilege to contribute to conversations actively shaping the future of enterprise education. 

What stood out to me was the diversity of perspectives across track sessions: from creative board-game dynamics to the underlying philosophy of enterprise education, all the way to cutting-edge AI-enterprising platforms being actively deployed across universities in the UK. Particularly, a session on entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) was eye-opening, broadening my perspective on the various ways modern enterprise can take. 

Beyond the formal sessions, the relaxed barbecue and the gala dinner created an environment where authentic conversations could take place. Connecting with educators, practitioners, and stakeholders from across the UK, Ireland, and beyond made the experience truly special. 

I came away with a much deeper appreciation for how educator communities are innovating to meet evolving student needs. The warmth, openness, and collaborative spirit of the EEUK community left me feeling inspired and motivated to further pursue my academic journey.’  

 

Figure 3: Sebastian and Hanxiong engaging in a game of Founders with other IEEC delegates, a game-based simulation to develop entrepreneurial mindset by Diana Lee (Vicky Matthers Photography) 

  Lizzie Richards said:  

‘Attending the International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference was a fantastic opportunity to learn and think creatively about enterprise for students in our university. As both a member of the team and a postgraduate student, I aimed to bring a student’s perspective to the talks and interactive sessions held across the week at Nottingham Trent University. I held in mind my experience of supporting students within the careers service, reflecting on how the new ideas and perspectives could support the students in Bangor. 

 

It was extremely valuable to learn more about triadic peer coaching, as it offers the opportunity for students to learn and grow from each other, in a supportive environment. I believe that building confidence through peer coaching and offering the opportunity for students to recognise their strengths can open opportunities to grow.  Building connections with professionals throughout the conference enabled the formulation of ideas that will support students in our university, by learning what works in other universities around the UK. I particularly valued the opportunity to talk about neurodiversity and enterprise coaching, ensuring spaces are welcoming and accessible to all students. 

 

I believe that involving students within conferences can inspire new and engaging ways to support enterprise at the university. I have been inspired by the event, and I am grateful for the opportunity to attend.’ 

 

 

 

Figure 4: Lizzie Richards engaging in a game of Founders with other IEEC delegates 

Our attendance at the International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference was kindly covered by the Welsh Government Delivery of Entrepreneurship in Higher Education.