RISEBA CONNECT – from ideas and international experience to professional growth
RISEBA CONNECT brought together students, alumni, representatives of the business and innovation ecosystem, and mentors to share their experience, inspire others and show students the different ways they can shape their professional future while still studying.
This time, RISEBA CONNECT focused on three interconnected themes – innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities, the importance of international experience, and mentoring for personal and professional growth.
From an idea to entrepreneurship
The first part of the event focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunities for students to develop their ideas in a safe and supportive environment.
Jūlija Pehtereva, Head of the LBTU Student Business Incubator, introduced the opportunities and experience offered by the incubator, while Matīss Ričards Baumanis, Project Manager at the Business Incubator of the RSU Innovation Centre, shared his experience of supporting the development of students’ ideas and entrepreneurial skills.
The discussions highlighted that innovation does not always start with a fully developed business plan. Often, the first step is an idea, the courage to test it, and an environment where professional support, contacts and valuable feedback are available.
International experience that changes perspectives
The second part of RISEBA connect focused on Erasmus+ and international mobility opportunities and experiences. This time, students and alumni shared their own stories, demonstrating that studying and gaining experience abroad offers much more than academic knowledge alone.
Katrīna Sīmansone-Gaiķe and Rems Ratņikovs, fourth-year students in the Entrepreneurship programme, shared their experience of spending a semester at the Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE), Czech Republic.
Katrīna’s experience can be summed up in the thought “Erasmus fits into adult life too”, as well as her insight that an Erasmus experience can be whatever you choose to make of it. Rems described his experience with the motto “VŠE: study, challenges, future and friendship”.
Extensive international experience was also presented by Artūrs Aleksejs Ustinovs, a graduate of the Master’s programme “Audiovisual and Immersive Technology Art”, who took part in four Erasmus mobility programmes during his studies, from the first year of his Bachelor’s degree through to completing his Master’s degree. His main takeaway is simple but meaningful: “Erasmus changed my perspective on life.”
Participants in the Erasmus+ INTTELIGENT project also shared their experiences. As part of the project, they took part in an intensive five-day programme focused on developing ideas and skills, international cooperation and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Meanwhile, Markuss Kirils Ustenko, a second-year student in the Public Relations and Advertising Management programme, shared his experience of participating in the Southwestern Advantage programme in the USA, giving students an insight into another way in which international experience can become an important part of personal and professional growth.
Mentoring – growth does not have to happen alone
The third part of RISEBA connect focused on mentoring and its role in professional development.
Maira Bokmane, Head of the Latvian Association of Public Relations Professionals (LASAP) mentoring programme, introduced the programme and its opportunities. Irina Baklanova, a student, shared her own mentoring experience and the practical benefits of working with an experienced professional.
At the end of the event, students were also introduced to opportunities to join the next intake of the mentoring programme.
Personal and professional growth is an important part of the RISEBA student experience. A university is not only a place to gain knowledge, but also a place to meet people who can help you identify your next step, define your goals and move towards them with greater confidence.
RISEBA CONNECT – a space for ideas, experience and new connections
RISEBA CONNECT will continue to create a space where students, alumni, professionals, organisations and ideas come together. It is an opportunity to discover different perspectives, build new connections and identify opportunities that can become the next step in professional growth.
A career path is not shaped in the classroom alone – it is also shaped by people, international experience, ideas put into practice, mentoring and the courage to make the most of the opportunities available.
Follow RISEBA for the latest news – see you at the next RISEBA connect event in February 2027!
