Do you you have some great innovative ideas? A service or a product that will revolutionize an industry?
Go ahead:
Make the Plans. Start the business. Manage it. You’ve got. You must be an Entrepreneur!
Always remember, you need these two most important things: energy and determination.
According to this Economist article, Entrepreneurs are typically highly educated: 45% of them hold advanced degrees, and many focus on high-tech and finance. Another interesting fact: the majority of Entrepreneurs come from just 3 U.S. locations: Boston, New York and Silicon Valley.
Entrepreneurs are vital to any economy. They bring the hopes of a profitable idea to the community ad they knowingly assume risks in order to see the reward of their business plan and the benefit it can bring to more than just themselves.
Education
Sure, there are inspiring stories about brave, headstrong Entrepreneurs who made it on their own, with no education and nothing but conviction and the strength of their ideas. But there’s a reason you hear those stories – they’re extraordinary, the exceptions that prove the rule. You may think your great ideas are all you need, but a college education can really help you stand out when you look for funding for your business venture. The ability to network with people of like mind will also make an education beneficial for the aspiring Entrepreneur.
The Princeton Review examined more than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate business schools in the 2012-2013 academic year about their offerings in entrepreneurship.
You will find business departments in 2 year, 4 year, and graduate schools offering an Entrepreneurship program.
Here is a sampling of some Entrepreneur coursework:
- Introduction to Business Management
- Financial Accounting
- Digital Business Strategy
- Women, Leadership & Entrepreneurship
- International Technology Marketing
- Patents, Plants, and Profits
- Race & Social Entrepreneurship
Alternative Study
The important thing is to get an education. Entrepreneurs often have to make their own programs and take side trips to learn what they need to know. If you are trying to launch a computer app, you may want to head over to the Computer Science department and take some classes on Web Development or User Interface Design. If you’ve got a great idea that could have a positive impact on the environment, some environmental science may be useful.
You may find a more conventional degree like an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) is often more fitting because an MBA can give you more credibility and help with the much needed task of networking.
Is Entrepreneurship right for you?
The U.S. Small business Administration website (SBA.Gov) provides an excellent resource for determining if you in fact are cut out for being your own boss.
Are you:
- A Risk-taker: You have to make all the tough decisions.
- Independent: Can you trust your instincts?
- Persuasive: Can you make compelling arguments?
- Able to Negotiate: Can you get a cheaper lease on your office space?
- Creative: Any insights on how to take your product or service to the next level?
- Supported: Who is your network? Do have a business mentor to ask advice?
Conclusion
Do have all that covered? If so, you are well on your way to the road of Entrepreneurship. With your drive, your ideas, and some reputable credentials, success is just waiting for you to grab it!
