Nikolaj and Palle are 2015 graduates from Dania in Randers. After having a couple of exciting internships and getting their Bachelors diploma, they are thinking about opening a restaurant in Denmark. The theme of the bar will be inspired from Palle's internship in Sierra Leone.
"I had a wonderful internship in the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Tacugama and that inspired me a lot. Together with Nikolaj, I would like to open an African-themed bar using several elements I have seen in Sierra Leone. In addition, part of the profits are intended to be donated to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, says Palle who is no stranger to self-employment.
The BA at Dania - a good start for an entrepreneur
Palle and Nikolaj came up with their business idea after their internships and presented it in an elaborate project to their teachers. The two have put serious thought and effort into the subject and say that if it were not have been for their education, they might not have come up with the idea. "We wrote our Bachelor thesis in regards to entrepreneurship and we made a complex business plan for the themed bar we want to open. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to present our ideas to the lecturers and to get constructive criticism", explains Palle.
Nikolaj is also satisfied with the outcome: "I like that we were not conditioned to think inside the box. We were allowed to come up with our own business plan and we did not have creative limitations. Although I now work in the marketing department at DGI Huset in Aarhus, the BA opened my eyes about entrepreneurship. I am very motivated to start my own business because I believe that with my new acquired knowledge I can make a difference".
Professional and personal development
24-year old Nikolaj says he has learned several valuable things from his studies at Dania: "I gained a great perspective on the specifics of the hospitality industry. I improved my skills in terms of dealing with guests and planning events. I have definitely grown my competences" Palle agrees and finds some of the taught courses very helpful. "I benefit the most from the leadership and culture classes. I have been self-employed for the past years, but now I know how to put things into perspective, and I have become much more structured with this degree. I want to continue being an entrepreneur and I am positive I have become better at it", he says.