Two weeks ago, I have finally started my Great Mancunian Adventure. Thanks to the EU programme “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs”, Manchester is the city where I will be living and working for the next four months. My “Fab New Job” as the card my new colleagues got me so accurately describes, is the charity Europia, a community organisation focusing on the support, integration and general well-being of Central and Eastern Europeans in Greater Manchester.
Before the Erasmus, I wrote an activity plan, which states that during these four months, I will learn more about managing an SME, by working with my Host Entrepreneur, Europia’s manager, by setting up new projects and courses and evaluating in between. These past two weeks have shown me, however, that what I will learn from this experience will be so much more than just that.
St Wilfrid’s Enterprise Centre, where Europia is based, has attracted some amazing people and organisations. The range of social enterprises and charities that can be found in the inspirational setting of what used to be a church building, truly gives one new perspectives, both professionally and personally. On top of that, working with the Host Entrepreneur and Europia colleagues and volunteers, a collection of open-minded, talented and dedicated people, has already been superb.
I am quite convinced that I won’t be bored here in Manchester for a single minute. Whether it’s meeting Mister Gay Poland, going to networking events with impressive skyline views, or eating cake we got from the neighbours, every day is a delightful surprise!
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