Increasing numbers of students are setting up their own businesses after leaving university. Find tips on how to develop your entrepreneurial skills and learn how this will help you whatever path you choose. How do you tell if entrepreneurship might be right for you, and how do you go about it? Even if you’re wary of setting up your own venture straight away, it’s worth asking yourself the question, because so many companies look for entrepreneurial skills and flair when recruiting. Want to be your own boss? Start at uni There are plenty of resources and organisations out there that will help you if you’re interested in starting your own business, starting with your university enterprise or entrepreneurship society.
What kind of person do you need to be to make a successful entrepreneur? Entrepreneurs need to be capable of both having original ideas and seeing them through. They have the stamina and determination to kick-start a project, stick with it, and get it finished. They are also: Stubborn and resilient enough to cope with setbacks and handle stress Willing to take calculated risks Problem solvers who can spot the opportunity in a challenge But if you are prone to getting overwhelmed by stress, like to work within a clear framework with pre- defined criteria for success, and need evaluation and praise from other people to motivate you, being an entrepreneur may not be for you. You should also think twice about entrepreneurship as a career option if: You struggle to come up with original ideas You’re keen to avoid any kind of financial uncertainty The prospect of pitching ideas and marketing your product fills you with horror You hate the idea of your work- related ambitions and aspirations spilling over into your spare time You just want a quiet, regular and predictable life.