Wednesday | May 23, 2012
Should You be an Employee or an Employer?
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By
Quinn Conyers
7 May 2007
Don’t have a job? Create One! More students are opting to become employers rather than employees. Despite lack of experience and access to capital more college students and young adults are leaning towards business ownership as a career choice.
The beauty of business is that it’s non-discriminatory. Age, race, or education level is not a ruling out factor to gain admittance to the business world. Passion, hard work, and dedication are only a few ingredients needed for entrepreneurial success. From lemonade stands to fully staffed corporations, entrepreneurs are helping fuel the American economy.
Colleges and universities across the United States have also helped create an entrepreneurial culture. According to the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Clearinghouse on Entrepreneurship Education, there are 170 universities currently offering classes in entrepreneurship. Being your own boss, freedom, and unlimited earning potential are a few reasons students are motivated to become self-employed.
The idea to start your own business can come from anywhere. Some students are inspired by family members or friends. Others are hit out of the blue with a big idea. By trade, entrepreneurs are risk-takers, innovators, and problem solvers. The road to entrepreneurship is not a smooth one. Obstacles, road blocks, and challenges can be expected when pursuing entrepreneurship as a career option. However, financial rewards, personal satisfaction, and ability to provide jobs for others have been inspiration for many individuals to keep pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.
So how do you know if entrepreneurship is for you? Many people ask themselves this question daily. If you are ready to put in long hours and have the enthusiasm and commitment to see your dream become a reality, then you might have what it takes.
I would suggest taking an entrepreneurial class or joining an entrepreneurship club for assistance. If neither of the two are options for you, many communities do offer entrepreneurship programs and initiatives specifically aimed to assist aspiring business owners. Also, look into entrepreneurship networks and organizations that can connect you with other young entrepreneurs. The Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (c-e-o.org) and Youth Venture (youthventure.org) are two organizations providing dynamic resources for youth and young adults.
There is no single formula that will guarantee success when pursuing entrepreneurship. Every successful entrepreneur has a unique story of how they made it to the top. Find your passion and stay true to it. Use any negativity you receive from others as motivation to succeed. Expect ups and downs and become a problem solver. Find a niche and demonstrate how your idea can fill that need. Be innovative, creative and network with your peers.
Take advantage of opportunities to meet other entrepreneurs and follow up with them. Ask questions, be proactive and do your homework on the industry you are trying to get into. Lastly, seek a mentor. A mentor can be an invaluable asset to have when starting a business. Mentors can come in the form of current business owners, professors or even family members. Mentors can help answer questions or provide sound business advice.
To learn more about entrepreneurship or other young entrepreneurs I suggest the following books:
- "How to Think Big When You are Small" by Dante Lee
- "Reallionaire" by Farrah Gray
- "Student Success Manifesto" by Michael Simmons
- "The Young Entrepreneurs Edge" by Jennifer Kushell
Quinn Conyers is a current graduate student at Howard University. She founded Speak2Society LLC, a speaking firm specializing in entrepreneurship and motivation. She is the first winner of the 2007 Speak Up Speak Off Competition held in Los Angeles, Calif. In her free time she speaks to diverse high school students as a certified professional speaker for Making It Count, a division of Monster.com. To contact Conyers for questions, comments, or bookings, please email info@Speak2Society.com.
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