Three questions for Carmen Woletz

1. Please briefly introduce yourself and your current job. 

My name is Carmen Woletz, I'm 25 and last year I completed my bachelor's degree in media publishing at the HdM. Since 2019, I have been working as a student assistant at the Generator Startup Center, which is the central point of contact and advice for students at HdM who are interested in starting a business. At the moment, I am responsible for social media in the Startup Campus 0711 project, which we are running as a cooperation with the University of Stuttgart. There, I make sure that as many startup enthusiasts as possible become aware of us. Our goal is to show students what advice and support options they have here on campus, to refer them to the right place and then to accompany them on their way to founding a company.

2. How did you get involved in entrepreneurship?

Since my father is self-employed, I knew from an early age what it means to run your own small business, with all the advantages and disadvantages. However, I only really got involved with the topic of entrepreneurship when it was discussed in a course. With the help of various methods, we were supposed to develop innovative ideas that were suitable for a startup and participate in the Startup Weekend. A mega exciting experience! At that time, I was already excited about the many different possibilities and ideas. My lecturer was Florian Demaku, who was employed by Generator at the time and now successfully runs his own startup Charismatischer.de. Thus, without suspecting it, I had first contacts to my later employer. 

3. What tip would you give to students who are enthusiastic about founding a company, who are currently thinking about founding a company, or who have already taken the first steps towards self-employment? 

Have the courage and take advantage of the offers at the Vaihingen Campus! I was surprised how many possibilities of support are offered here. And above all, it doesn't cost a cent! It doesn't matter if you only have the idea or if you have a nearly finished startup - there is the right support for every step, from very competent employees! Sometimes even events are offered where you can work out your idea and get ECTS on top of it! As a student, you are always covered, because your studies are your main activity. You can therefore start up flexibly and with low risk and have the best support on site. Inform yourself (of course at Startup Campus 0711) about the different offers and get in touch with the startup advisors!