Entrepreneurship is a career goal for many working adults. Autonomy and personal satisfaction are just a couple of the benefits of running your own business.
It’s a professional path about 3 in 5 teens would prefer over a traditional job, according to a survey by Junior Achievement (JA). Running a successful company depends on multiple factors, including a solid business plan, adequate startup resources and a receptive market, as well as a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic and ability to persevere under pressure.
Beginning to shape the skills and mindset necessary to flourish as an entrepreneur can begin well before entering the workforce. In fact, even students in junior high and high school can begin working toward entrepreneurial goals with these tips from JA, a nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people by delivering lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness.
- Select Electives Wisely
Students don’t have to wait until they’re in college to begin developing business skills and knowledge. If they have the ambition and drive to become an entrepreneur, they may find it beneficial to complement the classes needed for graduation requirements with electives that allow them to explore their interest in the business world. Some examples include accounting, marketing, finance, economics, psychology and computer science.
- Make Part-Time Work Meaningful
Many students enter the workforce in high school to start practicing money management and contribute to expenses like gas and car insurance. While most jobs available to students are service oriented and fall outside the business world, it doesn’t hurt to explore options that put students closer to their entrepreneurial ambitions. For example, local small businesses may be willing to hire someone eager to learn.
- Take Part in Programs
Kids can challenge themselves by putting their knowledge into practice as real-world entrepreneurs. For example, JA’s Company Program is an immersive program that fosters creativity, critical thinking and business acumen, offering students unique opportunities to explore the world of business and economics by creating real companies. Participants learn to present their business plans and results during competitions that offer learning opportunities.
Additionally, at the Future Bound competition (made possible through the support of businesses including Chick-fil-A, Delta Air Lines, Pacific Life Foundation and Staples), participants took part in seminars and mentorship. The event featured four programs that empower students with entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills – the Company of the Year National Competition, the Social Innovation Challenge, the Titan National Competition and the National Stock Market Challenge.
- Seek a Strong Mentor
Some of the best learning comes from emulating others who are successful in their fields. Meeting regularly with someone who serves as a role model can help students sharpen their vision for the future and learn from the experiences that propelled professionals into their current positions.
- Define a Future Vision
Creating an inspiration board can help motivated students compile and organize ideas. This board, whether physical or digital, can serve as a source of inspiration and help motivate students to identify and overcome obstacles while working toward bringing their visions for careers as entrepreneurs to life.
Find more ideas to help students gain confidence and skills for future education and careers, and learn more about the competitions, at jausa.ja.org.
