Testimonial from Parvin Badalbayli, Deloitte Micro-Tyco Student Challenge participant in February 2014

"I initially applied to the Deloitte Micro-Tyco Student Challenge because I was intrigued by their newsletter, which presented the challenge as an “opportunity to unleash your inner entrepreneur”. On February 1st, I found myself in a room with four people and £1, thinking of ways to make as much money as possible. Over the next month, we organised dozens of sales all across Nottingham and events such as a pub quiz and a club night, generating a total of £1389.

In March, we were told that our team came fourth in the challenge, meaning that we all got the opportunity to do a two week Easter internship at Deloitte in London. We were then supported to apply for the Summer Vacation scheme which I also took part in. At the end of the summer I ended up getting a graduate role offer before I even started my last year in university!

I encourage everyone to participate in Micro-Tyco because there are so many things to take away from it. Firstly, you get the chance to put your business skills into practice. Then, whilst organising events, you get to meet many new people from different courses and year groups that you would never have met otherwise. You also get to work with a Deloitte Coach that helps you expand your network and understanding of how the business world works. The challenge also changes the way you think about investment and profit. You begin to realise that all you need is to spot a ‘gap in the market’ and provide that missing service. And finally, the money you earn goes to WildHearts, who are doing an incredible job helping women in developing countries realise their dreams and improve their families’ living conditions through microfinance.

The main advice I would give future participants is to really give every money making idea a chance, because as we have learnt - the simplest things are often the most profitable. And, on a more practical level: plan in advance. Even though the challenge starts in February, there is nothing stopping you from discussing ideas and driving responsibilities ahead of time."