From theatre to tech: Sarah’s next chapter
With two decades of experience spanning theatre, US politics and emerging tech, senior communications leader Sarah Shaefer is no stranger to forging bold paths. Now part of the inaugural MSc Entrepreneurship cohort in the Business School’s Department of Management, she is bringing that experience into the classroom and across the University by founding the St Andrews Entrepreneurship Society and shaping her next career chapter. We sat down with Sarah to learn more about her path to entrepreneurship and what she’s building now.
Q: Before coming to St Andrews, what were you doing, and what sparked your interest in entrepreneurship?
A: I have worked across three high-stakes environments: theatre, US politics and emerging tech. I spent 14 years as a playwright and actor, working across the US, before moving into political strategy and government roles. That included working through the early stages of the pandemic, which was intense. I then transitioned into tech, with my first European role at a company based in Switzerland. I loved the collaborative work culture and the opportunity to work with people from very different backgrounds. Later, I relocated to London and moved into blockchain. Looking back, I realised I had been entrepreneurial throughout my career but had never had formal business training. That realisation is what brought me to St Andrews.
Q: What drew you specifically to the University of St Andrews, and to studying entrepreneurship here?
A: St Andrews had been in the back of my mind for a long time. I was offered a place as an undergraduate more than 25 years ago, but chose to study closer to home. I always had a strong sense of what St Andrews represented, and when I began thinking about postgraduate study, it quickly became one of my top choices. In many ways, it felt like a second chance.
Q: What attracted you to the new entrepreneurship programme at the Business School, and what were you hoping to get out of it?
A: When I began speaking with the Business School team, I was drawn to the energy and ambition behind the new MSc in Entrepreneurship. It felt like an exciting opportunity to join something at the beginning and help shape it from the inside. As a member of the inaugural cohort, I saw a chance not only to learn but to contribute. I have always loved building things, and entrepreneurship felt more open and expansive than other business disciplines. I also knew I would grow more by stepping into new territory rather than continuing along a familiar path.
Q: You have gone on to found the St Andrews Entrepreneurship Society. How did that idea come about, and what were you hoping it would offer?
A: After accepting my offer, I asked Professor Anna Brattström, Programme Director for the MSc Entrepreneurship, if there was anything I could do to prepare. She suggested I consider starting a new student society focused on entrepreneurship. I said yes straight away. I wanted it to be cross-disciplinary from the start, not just focused on the Business School. Entrepreneurial thinking is valuable in every field, and my own background has shown me how powerful it can be when people with different perspectives come together around a shared goal.
Q: The society’s launch event was a significant milestone. Can you tell us how it came together and what stood out for you on the day?
A: We expected around 40 or 50 people, but nearly 100 attended. That was incredibly encouraging. It showed there is real appetite for entrepreneurship across the University. In the lead-up, I met people from across the institution to build momentum and make connections. One of my aims was to avoid silos and create a genuinely inclusive community, and that energy really came through at the launch.
Q: How has your experience at the Business School helped you turn ideas into action?
A: I arrived without a business idea, which honestly worried me. But I was reassured early on that this was completely fine. Through the programme, I have developed a project I am deeply interested in, focused on blockchain, ethics and compliance. I am using my capstone to further develop this idea, and I am also shaping my essays and coursework around fintech and blockchain to build a strong professional portfolio. The programme has given me the structure and confidence to turn abstract ideas into something tangible.
Q: Looking ahead, what is next for the St Andrews Entrepreneurship Society, and how do you see this experience shaping your own ambitions?
A: I have recruited two co-presidents, Lukas Büser and Christian Jensen to take on the day-to-day running of the society, while I continue to support them as founder. This year is about deepening my expertise and preparing for my next move in fintech. I am laying the groundwork now, so I can return to the sector after graduation and make a meaningful contribution from day one. This experience has helped me clarify my direction and has reinforced my desire to work at the intersection of technology, ethics and impact.
Q: What advice would you give someone considering the programme, particularly if they do not come from a business background?
A: You do not need to arrive with a business idea. The programme is designed to help you find one. The network here is exceptional, and the access to knowledge is remarkable. Being able to take time to think, research and have meaningful conversations has been invaluable for me. If you are curious and open to learning, this programme offers a genuinely rewarding experience.