Local Female Entrepreneur Masters Cambridge

Kathryn Sowerby began her quest for a place at Cambridge in 2002 when she responded to an international call for students with an interest in 'community enterprise' wishing to take part in a part-time Masters Degree course. Speaking of her reaction on being offered a place, Kathryn said, "I had to submit an application and was then asked to attend an interview at the university shortly afterwards. I was over the moon when I received a letter later that week to say that I was being offered a place as well as a bursary to cover some of the costs."

The course, which was the Master of Studies (M.St.) in Community Enterprise, was a two-year, part-time degree taught and administered by the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge. Designed for managers of social economy, community, public and third sector organisations, it focuses on a number of key themes including, identification of business opportunities in a social context and developing new funding streams including loan finance.

Having already tackled two degrees on a part time basis Kathryn, aged 35 and from East Hull, new what she was letting herself in for and understood that it would be a lot of work on top of her roles as both a mother of two young children and a busy full time job as Chief Executive of Goodwin Community Trading. However, she says she couldn't have done it without the bursary from The Development Trust Association and the support of Goodwin Development Trust. Kathryn added, "My family have also been absolutely fantastic. I was pregnant with my daughter during the first year and it was hard being away from home at that point.'

As well as the structured learning that the course provided Kathryn also found that other students on the course provided a wealth of information through their experiences.

"The course was attended by people from all over the world which was one of the best parts. Each participant was able to share experiences and ideas from their own country which really enhanced our learning." What next..... a holiday!

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