Is being an entrepreneur all it’s cracked up to be?
We discuss whether it’s really worth the ‘agro’
Before we bare all airs and graces about being an entrepreneur, let's first revisit what it really means. An entrepreneur is considered someone who has created or is generating new business. They’re someone who will usually be an ‘ideas’ person — coming up with new solutions, goods, services or products.
Because of the camaraderie that comes with being an entrepreneur, many can find the prospect of becoming one themself, a little bit daunting. But it doesn’t have to be as scary as you once thought, in fact, there are many graduate jobs out there looking for students and grads with an entrepreneurial drive to join their company.
Here’s just some of the benefits that our friends over at ‘Give a Grad a Go’ think comes with being an entrepreneur;
More responsibility
It’s easy to get swept up in applying for graduate schemes and wanting to work for large corporations when you are at University. However, you may find that there are many benefits of working in a start up company, or a SME (small medium enterprise). The biggest one if you have an entrepreneurial spirit, is that you will have more responsibility straight away to implement your ideas and launch new initiatives for the company.
Having responsibility from day one also means that you will be able to develop skills quickly, positively impact the company and gain experience that will be valuable in your next role.
New and fresh perspectives
Being around entrepreneurial people means that you will always be open to new and exciting ideas. This is not only good for the business development, but it can also help your personal development. If you are constantly thinking up new ideas, solutions and projects to work on, then you will automatically be learning the skills you need to implement them in real life. If you have a project, business or achievement that flaunts your entrepreneurial drive, then be sure to mention this in your job applications.
Employers will look highly on job-seekers who have proven their ability to think outside the box, be a ‘do-er’ and strive for newer and better results for the company.
Constant growth and development
One big benefit of working for an entrepreneurial company is that you will be constantly learning and developing just from doing your daily job.
With larger corporations and graduate schemes you might find yourself on a strict training programme with little movement or option to speed ahead. If your company is more entrepreneurial with a ‘start-up’ mentality then they will be keen to launch all kinds of new and exciting ventures, which you will be a part of.
Learning from other entrepreneurs is also a great way to soak up knowledge and information in your first role after University, and will also help you with your future ventures. Sometimes when you start a new role it can be difficult to learn from your colleagues quickly. Although you will learn as you go along, there isn’t always time for mentor programmes or to explore personal development opportunities. Getting involved in entrepreneurial activities will enable you to learn on the job in a fast-paced environment with the opportunity to develop at your own pace.
Exciting new opportunities
When you are relying on yourself and your own imagination, you will end up finding possibilities in everything and build up an awareness of new opportunities. This is a brilliant skill to develop that will help you in any role you apply for, and employers will favour this!
Showing initiative is a very preferable quality that employers will look for as it shows that you will be able to help develop their business in new and prosperous ways. Getting involved with the entrepreneurship is also a brilliant opportunity for you to show off your skills, build your experience and get involved in something that you are passionate about.
Bringing people together
When you are sharing ideas with other people and working together to create a new concept, then you will be able to gain ideas and knowledge from others as well as having the opportunity to share your own. If you are with other like-minded innovative individuals, then you will be with a group of ambitious and creative people who are passionate about making a positive impact for themselves, the business and to the rest of the world.
Although entrepreneurship is often thought of as a solo-venture, it is almost always the work from a collective of likeminded and supportive individuals striving for the same outcome.
Flexibility in your schedule
If you are embarking on an exciting new initiative then this might take up time that goes beyond the usual 9–5 working hours. This can work in your favour as it will enable you to be flexible with your time. You can plan your work around your personal commitments, and focus your energy at the time that suits you best.
Some people prefer waking up early and organising their day before the afternoon, while others might find their best ideas are created late into the evening.
When you are working on an entrepreneurial venture, then you are more likely to have the flexibility to organise your time in the best way that suits you.
The opportunity to be creative
Entrepreneurship is a brilliant opportunity to be creative. Find something that you are passionate about and enjoy, and build upon this. For example, you might be passionate about the environment, and start a social media venture on litter picking to encourage people to pick up their litter. Or perhaps you are really passionate about nightlife, and you might create a new app which lets you rate all the different bars and pubs in your area.
Whatever you’re passionate about, entrepreneurship allows you to explore the endless possibilities that you have to make a real difference and positive impact around you.
If you want to find out more on how to get a graduate job and want to get involved in a new venture, please visit the Give A Grad A Go website and get in touch!
