Interview with BTU Alumnus Cheng-Wen Jaw (Betriebswirtschaftslehre)

Cheng-Wen studied at the BTU and now works at the BTU's startup service and as a project manager in the community management of Startup Revier EAST, the network for all those interested in starting a business in the region. His office in Startblock B2 is open at all times to all interested parties who need help with their startup projects.

Hello Cheng-Wen, how did you decide to study at the BTU and which of the skills you learned help you now in your work at the Startup Service and Startup Revier EAST?
Originally, I wanted to study near my home in Schleswig-Holstein. In retrospect, however, I can say that studying in Cottbus was a good decision. The support at the university was always good and the lecturers were always very helpful. The region also convinced me after a short period of acclimatization. The modules in the start-up area and writing a business plan in the introductory module of business administration helped me to understand the needs of founders. And of course, the soft skills learned at university, such as working independently and networking, are important for the job.

What exactly is the start-up service and who are the services intended for?
The start-up service is the first point of contact for everything to do with knowledge- and technology-based spin-offs and successful start-ups. We support start-ups from the three groups of students, academic staff and alumni (up to seven years after graduation). Come and see us if you have any help or questions about starting a business. I will be happy to help you personally and without obligation.

What exactly are your tasks in the start-up service and how can one imagine a start-up consultation?
I advise and support people interested in founding a company in the implementation of their idea. In addition to consulting, I organize events on the topic of founding with Mr. Zakar and Ms. Schiemenz. This way, founders and people interested in founding a company can make contacts at our regulars' tables and exchange experiences in a relaxed environment. The people interested in founding a company come to me with their idea and present their first concept to me. I then give them initial feedback. I show them possible weaknesses of the concept and together we discuss the further procedure. In this way, those interested in founding a company learn initial information about possible funding programs, such as EXIST. If necessary, I can provide suitable coaches in various areas, such as legal matters, free of charge. In case of very innovative ideas, the prospective founders are informed about the EXIST program. I provide professional and personal support to those interested in founding a company during all the steps leading up to the start-up.

You also work at Startup Revier EAST. What do you yourself find interesting about the topic of startups?
The implementation of my own idea and the creation of something of my own have inspired me for a long time. Founding a company also brings a certain freedom and independence. I am currently looking into founding a company myself. Maybe I will be interviewed again soon, then as a successful founder.

What do you think of most when you remember your studies?
Being with other students was always an important part of my studies. I made many friends at the university. I was able to learn a lot about other cultures through the many international students at BTU. Over the course of time, I was able to visit many friends in their home countries. I can only recommend it to everyone to build up a network. The next "Unicorn" can develop over a beer with friends.