Becoming a Great Entrepreneur Without an Expensive Degree

With the cost of higher education rising every year, an increasing number of young people are questioning the actual value of a university degree. Instead, they’re looking for advice and guidance on how to make it big in business without being saddled with crippling college debt. So here’s a collection of techniques and resources that can turn young adults into successful entrepreneurs:

Bridge Your Skills Gaps

Young entrepreneurs and small business owners usually have to wear many hats, especially at the launch of their company. Many of them are in charge of production, accounting, marketing, and advertising, and once they start hiring employees, payroll and other administrative tasks. But you don’t need a degree in business administration to own your own company. Look for online resources designed to teach technical or administrative skills to solopreneurs with video tutorials, learning materials, and virtual classes. And think about becoming a member of your local chamber of commerce to meet other small business owners, look for mentors, and gain from their experience.   

Get Familiar With Technology

You don’t need to become a computer wizard to run your own company, but you need to have a good working knowledge of the basics. Having a reliable smartphone will help you take care of business whether you’re at the office or on the go. Besides answering phone calls, you’ll be able to receive and send emails, keep track of your finances, and with the right productivity apps, you can even get a variety of tasks accomplished from the palm of your hand. Invoicing software will help you keep track of your expenses and revenue; paired up with accounting software, you’ll have a clear picture of your financial health, which will assist you in making well-informed business decisions.

Look for Outside Help

With more people striving to achieve greater work-life balance, many have turned to freelancing and are advertising their services on online job posting sites. So if you need help with administrative tasks such as accounting, web design and UX, computer and IT, or you’re looking for a social media manager to help with your branding and grow your customer base, post a detailed ad on an online job board or look for applicants that fit the bill. You’ll get a far better ROI spending money on a professional executing a complex task than spending hours trying to figure it out on your own.

Explore a Career in Interior Design

The field of interior design offers many career opportunities for young entrepreneurs who didn’t go the 4-year-college route. So if you have a deep interest in creating spaces that will enhance people’s lives, consider launching your own venture as an interior designer. Obtaining an internship with an interior design firm can get you through the door and let you explore different options that will lead to a rewarding career. First, get access to an interior designer résumé so you can create your own, focusing on the experience and skills that will make you a great asset as an intern. Even your volunteer work can help you secure a spot if it shows you have tremendous teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, so make sure you add it to your résumé.      

In today’s technology-driven world, a university degree isn’t the be-all and end-all for burgeoning entrepreneurs. And with so many courses offered online, you can get the skills you need to start your own business in your own time. But don’t forget the importance of meeting people in real life as well, and find mentors who will support you, encourage you, and help you reach your goals.

At jofdav.com, we help veterans with disabilities find employment. So come post your résumé and look through our job listings to start on your next career path!