Halfway through my Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs journey, I can honestly say that the experience has already been much more intense, challenging, and rewarding than I expected.
When I started this exchange, I hoped to gain practical insights into running and growing a consultancy business focused on EU projects. What I did not expect was how much learning would happen not only professionally but also personally.
One of the biggest lessons so far has probably been communication. Working in an international environment means working with different expectations, communication styles, and cultural habits. At times, communication with members of the board has been difficult and there have definitely been moments of misunderstanding and frustration. Sometimes we interpreted things differently, sometimes expectations were not completely aligned. However, what makes me positive about these experiences is that we always managed to solve the problems in the end. Looking back, these moments were probably some of the most valuable parts of the exchange because they forced me to become more patient, communicate more clearly, and better understand different perspectives.
Professionally, I feel that I am learning an enormous amount every week. One of the most valuable aspects has been getting deep insights into how EU projects are implemented efficiently in practice. I already had experience in this field before joining the programme, but seeing different approaches, structures, and working methods from the inside has been extremely valuable.
I am also learning much more about the complete process of project design—from the first idea to implementation—as well as how organisations identify and approach potential new clients. Another important area of learning has been pricing and budgeting. Understanding how consultancy work is priced, how projects are budgeted, and how organisations create sustainable financial models has given me much more confidence for my own entrepreneurial journey.
A large part of our work together has focused on improving internal processes. We have spent considerable time reorganising and cleaning up administrative structures and looking at ways to make workflows more efficient. This has been slower than I initially expected because organisational change rarely happens quickly, but we are starting to see real improvements, which feels very rewarding.
Another particularly exciting area has been exploring how artificial intelligence can support organisational work. We have started experimenting with more efficient ways of using AI across different areas of the organisation, and it feels like we are only at the beginning of understanding what is possible.
Interestingly, one area where I realised I could also contribute actively rather than only learn was around technology choices and digital infrastructure. I have increasingly supported discussions about reducing dependency on US-based technologies and exploring European alternatives where possible. This includes introducing different tools and approaches and discussing how organisations can build more resilient, privacy-conscious, and sustainable digital ecosystems. It has been rewarding to see that the exchange is truly mutual and that both sides contribute knowledge and ideas.
Of course, not everything has been work. One of my favourite moments so far was a team-building sailing trip using the organisation’s boat. Spending time together outside work, being on the water, and simply enjoying the experience together created some of the strongest memories of the exchange so far.
At this halfway point, I feel that the objectives of the programme are absolutely being achieved. I am learning new skills, gaining confidence, expanding my perspective, and building relationships that will stay with me long after the programme ends.
For the second half of the exchange, I do not think major changes are needed. If anything, I would like to continue deepening the work we have already started: improving systems, exploring new tools, and turning the many ideas we have developed so far into long-term structures and results.
Halfway through the journey, I already know one thing for certain: this experience has changed how I think about entrepreneurship, collaboration, and international cooperation—and I still have half of the adventure ahead of me.
