From education to charisma, everyone has a different opinion on what it takes to be an entrepreneur. If you have ever considered becoming an entrepreneur you have likely asked yourself “Do I have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?”. Although many entrepreneurs share common traits there are no set in stone requirements needed to become onE. That being said, there are skills you may want to develop within yourself to help you become the best entrepreneur you can be.
What education is needed to become an entrepreneur?
Although there are many post-secondary and graduate programs available to aspiring entrepreneurs there is no one perfect path to choose. If you are looking to further your education with a focus on entrepreneurship you may want to ask yourself a few questions. Your ideal path will support you in taking the talents and skills you already have, and applying them to your entrepreneurial goals. When asking yourself the question “What should I study to become an entrepreneur?” you should first ask yourself the following questions.
- Is more education holding me back from taking action? – Sometimes when we are trying to set ourselves up for success we get stuck in a cycle of expecting perfection. There will always be a new course, certification or degree that could help us improve our skills and knowledge. When looking at taking a new course you need to consider your why. Will the course be just another thing you do before you’re ready to take action or will it directly improve your business. Don’t get stuck feeling like you won’t be ready until you’ve completed the next step. Evaluate your skills and abilities now and consider if you need more education or more action.
- How will this course help my business? – Assess why you think you need to take the course you are considering. Is it a general business course that will help you understand the in’s and out’s of business or is it industry specific training that your require to successfully run your business. Some skills require specific and credited training while others can be learned independently. Make sure that any education you take will have a positive impact on your business.
- What am I already qualified to do? – Never discount what you have already learned. If you have previous education or life experience, it counts. Give yourself credit for the amazing talents you already possess. Take note of what you do great.
- What do I need to know more about? – Be honest with yourself about your weaknesses’. If you have an area that needs improvement or need certifications to get going with your dreams, then do it. Know that weakness or gaps in your knowledge don’t have to stop you from becoming an entrepreneur.
Answering the question “what education is needed to become an entrepreneur?” isn’t an easy one. Each person has unique skills and abilities that will carry them through their entrepreneurial journey. Though it may be a good idea to take a business degree for some people, it isn’t necessary or needed for others. Always take into account your industry and the skills you already have. Most people would argue that more education is never a bad idea. Always make sure that any education is carrying you forward in your goals and not holding you back from getting started.
Do People Skills Matter?
When considering “what does it take to be an entrepreneur?” we can’t ignore that people skills matter. When you are an entrepreneur you are responsible for the interactions you have with investors, customers, and employees. It is important that you develop strong interpersonal skills to help you be an effective business owner. Although some make think that an entrepreneur must be an outgoing and social person that is not necessarily true. Any personality type can be an entrepreneur, though having good personal skills will help you with being successful.
Along with education, self-development is an important part of being an entrepreneur. If you are lacking in interpersonal skills you should take steps to improve them. Through courses, reading, or working with a career coach you can take steps to improve your skills. Take a look at our previous blog post “What Are The Qualities Of An Entrepreneur” to get an understanding of what qualities are important for entrepreneurs. Remember that not everyone will possess each of these qualities and some may be stronger in some than others. That is more than ok! Your unique skills and abilities are what makes you stand out. Embrace what you are great at but don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and improve in other aspects of your life too.
What Does It Really Take?
It’s easy to compare yourself to others when wondering “do I have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?”. But don’t dwell too much on what others are doing. Each person’s unique education, experience and personality is what makes them a good entrepreneur. There are no hard rules on what you should or should not do to start a business and each entrepreneurial journey will be different.
You may need to look into more education or develop your interpersonal skills. But that does not mean that you don’t currently have what it takes to become an entrepreneur. Be confident in your abilities and surround yourself with a support system that will help you achieve your goals.
If you are feeling stuck and unsure how to get started with your entrepreneurial journey it may be a good idea to hire an entrepreneur coach. An entrepreneur coach can help you assess where your strengths and weaknesses are while providing you with advice to get you of to a great start. Remember that you make the rules and you have what it takes.