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Do you believe in making real positive impact on people?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
First and foremost, we help people. Startup Funding Event is a charity organization we founded to give back to our community. Startup Funding Event is an event we created to bring inspiring impact startups and world-class founders together on one stage. It first started as one main event, and now we have about 3 events per year, our podcast Impact Talks and much more!
Basically, we gather startups from around the globe and organize an event with judges and visitors to watch the startups pitch their business ideas! The winner of the event gets a ton of prizes to help them grow. Our main Innovation Funding Award has a prize value of over 42,000 euros! We’re growing bigger every year and are able to make visible, tangible changes in the lives of people around us.
What can you learn through Startup Funding Event?
Our core team is made up of experts in their field (think CEOs, Video Editors, Marketers for Global Brands, Top Tier Social Media Strategists, and more…) and you’ll get the opportunity to learn directly from them. We don’t hold anything back. This opportunity is what you make of it.
On top of that, you’ll get access to various training platforms to improve a certain skill or personal developement.
You’ll also be able to use our office space, which is right next to Rotterdam Central Station! This is great for networking and making new connections to help you grow your career.
The sky is the limit! If you’re willing to learn, we’re willing to teach you what you need to know. When you volunteer with us, we’ll do everything we can to help you make career-changing connections and help you sparkle up your resume.
How does the application process work?
The application process is really easy. You’ll do fine if you go into it with an open mind and follow instructions. It takes about 2 weeks altogether. You’ll be asked to answer some questions and send in a video introduction. We respect your time, so the application process shouldn’t take too much out of your day.
After the application process, you’ll be ready to have your first team meeting and get started!
If you have questions, I would encourage you to just fill out the application form. It’s a simple form, it just asks for your name, phone number, and basic information. There are no hiring questions or resume required. After you submit the form, our hiring manager will receive your application and send you an email. After you get the email, you can ask any questions you have! You’re not locked into applying just by filling out the form on the website.
Long story short: if you’re interested at all, fill out an application.
You can send us an email if you want, but filling out the form on the website is the quickest way to get your volunteer-related questions answered.
When is the event?
Our event dates change every year! The event will likely always be on a different day. Due to current circumstances, we have postponed all of our events for an undefined time. However, we’re still continuing our podcast, Impact Talks online.
Is it possible to only volunteer on the day of the event?
If you have limited time and only want to volunteer for 1 day, we can make it work. You’ll still go through our recruitment process and you’ll have to attend a team meeting before the event. Other than that, we’re very flexible with schedules as long as you’re honest about what you can and can’t accomplish.
What exactly will I be doing?
That depends on what you want to do and what you’re skills are! You can work in social media marketing, event management, sales, and more.
Will this look good on my resume?
Yes, if you contribute to the team, many of our members will become strong, lifelong references for you. In addition to gaining a valuable reference, you can pretty much expand your skillset in anything related to marketing, video production and editing, event management, sales, and client relations.
Our main event attracts high profile industry leaders from companies like Microsoft, Transavia, Unicef, and more! Networking opportunities are everywhere. Nevertheless, a good looking resume shouldn’t be your main reason to join our team.
Is Volunteering With Us Right For You?
I’ll tell you right now the most important thing is that you’re teamwork-oriented and have a positive personality. There is not a huge time commitment for this role, we’re looking for volunteers and not employees, after all!
We value honesty, loyalty, and curiosity. If you keep your promises, are honest when you can’t do something, and have the curiosity to keep learning, then you’ll fit right in!
What are the requirements to volunteer with us?
We invest a lot of time and energy into our volunteers. Our requirements are simple, but firm. The reason we’ve been able to grow is due to our awesome team, and we need to make sure to keep it that way.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Have a positive attitude. This is an absolute must. We don’t do drama, backstabbing, or general bad team-working skills. We’re a positive group of hardworking people.
- Be willing to help others
- Be willing to commit around 2-6 hour per week
- Be in or around the Rotterdam area. If you really want to volunteer and don’t live near Rotterdam, please still fill out an application. We do have remote team member positions available. However, we are looking for people to physically be present at our event.
- Attend occasional team meetings (they’re really fun – we promise!)
- Help out on event days (you’ll get instructions once you become a volunteer)
How many hours do I need to commit?
You should aim to contribute about 2 hours per week. We have 1-3 events per year, and for event days you should aim to stay for the entirety of the event, which would be around 6-8 hours. This is not a time-consuming position, but it’s required that you always fill the hours that you commit to.
What if I’m busy on the day of the event? Is it possible to help out but not make it to the event?
That’s totally okay. You can still go through recruitment because we do need volunteers leading up to the day of the event. You’re encouraged to try to make it to every event, however, if you need to miss one due to work or school then you can always come to the next one.
Do I need to be in Rotterdam for meetings?
As of now, our events are held in Rotterdam and therefore you should be in/around the Rotterdam area for the event.
Are you sure I can schedule around my school/work?
Yes! We are very understanding when it comes to exams, big projects, and/or important work events. In fact, nearly all of our volunteers are full-time students.
WHY JOIN OUR CREW AS AN INTERN OR VOLUNTEER?
This is your chance to meet not only the who-is-who of the startup scene but also new up-and-coming talents and projects!
Ask Our Experts Questions
Innovation Manager of Chanel & Vueling Airlines
Being a female leader, setting up new teams abroad, coming up with break-through innovations, … these are just some of the topics that we discuss together.
Head of ASICS Europe & MENA
Imagine going from a family business to running multiple countries for one of the most famous sports brands in the world. Maximizing knowledge, defining company culture, … just some of the topics we dive deeper into during this episode.
First Deaf NBA player – Cleveland Cavaliers
Personal development from a high-performing athlete, dealing with failure, fear, and takings risks. What better way to learn these skills than from the First legally deaf player in the NBA.
Former Space Engineer (ESA & NASA), Nokia & Volkswagen Group
From discussions around NASA & SpaceX to launching the first music library with Nokia, all the way to the future of connectivity and driving. One of the better ways to get inspired around what technology is capable of. Make sure to listen to the end, as we ask some questions from members from our group as well.
General Manager Converse, Nike Inc
Balancing family life & career, working abroad, Female leadership, … are topics that are hard to master. What better way, than have the General Manager of one of the most iconic brands explain how she does it.
Global Marketing WWF & Managing Director MTV ASIA
The difference between corporate, startup, and NGO life. What it takes to master all three on the highest of levels. Whilst, sharing an interesting story of how he sold his company to Motorola after starting and scaling MTV in Asia.
WHAT WILL YOU GET?
WORK
We believe in making your work experience as smooth as possible. We do so by providing the following ingredients for a successful workflow.
LEARN
The practical experience is half the work. By investing in your growth we believe in taking your skills and personal development to the next level.
FUN
We invest highly in the company culture. It is our everyday mission to create a creative, safe and fun environment to thrive in.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Join Our Team Today!
SOME LAST WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
from the people, you’ll be working with
Sales & Innovation Team
Our Film Interns
Volunteer Organizing Team