Where’s that?

Where’s your job then?

In Doncaster.

Where’s that?

If you’re a member of my family, or one of my friends, you’ve probably had the above conversation with me. It usually ends in one of two ways. If I have time, I’ll explain a little more about my job and the work I’m doing this year, in which case the conversation ends quite well. If I don’t have the time, I leave them bemused as to why a 21 year old graduate from London is moving to a small town to work for a sofa company.

Since I’ve got the time now, I suppose I should explain my role a little more clearly. I’m a graduate working with the New Entrepreneurs Foundation, which aims to give aspiring entrepreneurs a combination of mentors (usually company CEOs); experience with an entrepreneurial company; excellent networking opportunities; and training events designed to give us the practical skills to start up businesses of our own. I’ve been incredibly lucky to get through the application process, and to be placed with one of the companies associated with the programme.

I will be spending this year with DFS, which is Europe’s largest sofa retailer: an entrepreneurial company that has grown to become a market leader. DFS was acquired by Advent International last year, so it’s a fast-moving and dynamic time to join the company. And its head office is based in (you guessed it) Doncaster. My job, as stated on the contract is ‘Project Assistant to the CEO’ and involves a mixture of working with the New Business Development team, and shadowing the CEO, Ian Filby.

These blogs are aimed at anyone with an interest in business, particularly young entrepreneurs who want to find out a bit more about the experience with the New Entrepreneurs Foundation. I will keep it updated on the main things I’ve learned and my experiences with DFS and the New Entrepreneurs Foundation.

Note: this article was written in September 2011 during a year long placement with the New Entrepreneurs Foundation. Originally published at ushmanef.tumblr.com.