Entrepreneurship is not always a reflection of ownership or risk. Rather, it is a mindset that seeks to break new ground. Entrepreneurship, as a field of study, has a wide, multi-discipline foundation; successful entrepreneurs need a broad understanding of business in order to evaluate opportunities when they arise.
There are few job positions listed under the title "entrepreneur," but there are many that require such skills. A great number of positions seek candidates who have drive and creativity and who understand the nature of success. Graduates with degrees in entrepreneurship are better equipped to meet the diverse needs of start-up organizations. They understand the unique challenges of new and expanding businesses.
Sample Courses
Entrepreneurship students can expect to take a variety of classes intended to provide the basis of a broad understanding of business practices and procedures. The coursework of entrepreneurship is often split between conventional business studies topics (marketing, accounting and management) and courses intended to foster the entrepreneurial spirit (identifying opportunities, locating funding sources and developing an entrepreneurial mindset).
Possible Specializations
As with most courses of study, there is room within entrepreneurship programs for specialization, which may reflect an area of personal interest to the student. Areas of entrepreneurship specialization may include: international business, manufacturing or sales. The potential areas of specialization are not limited to recognized topics within the field. In most cases, students can create a degree focus by selecting and completing courses to match their interests.
Associate
These abbreviated programs get entrepreneurs up and running. Entrepreneurship associates degrees impart the basics of accounting, economics, marketing and management. They prepare students to enter the workforce after two years of study.
Bachelor's
By earning a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship, students prepare for several post-graduation options. They gain marketable problem-solving and creative thinking skills that are attractive to potential employers. They acquire the practice and knowledge necessary to striking out on their own and starting their own businesses. With a bachelor's, they may choose to further their education and earn a masters degree.
Master's
Master's degrees in entrepreneurship are starting to replace the once ubiquitous MBA on the resumes of young professionals. The reason for this change is due in part to the desire of many to develop the skills necessary to work for themselves. At the same time, employers are becoming more eager to hire and advance individuals who have the knowledge to look for innovative ways to expand their businesses.
Ph.D.
As with many PhD programs, entrepreneurship doctoral programs are usually intended for those who wish to pursue a career in academia. Generally speaking, entrepreneurs are more focused on doing and learning on the go. However, there are some who want to further their understanding of what entrepreneurship is, how it functions and, in turn, how to share that knowledge with others.
Ideal Candidates for Entrepreneurship
At their most fundamental, entrepreneurs tend to be: creative, self-motivated, goal oriented, passionate and accommodating. Candidates are almost always driven by a deep creative streak that guides their actions. An entrepreneur's creative drive stems from passion and a vision of how to achieve their goals. When an entrepreneur faces obstacles, they don't quit. Instead, they considers the hurdles they must overcome. The ideal candidate is able to adjust their behavior and habits to accommodate prevailing conditions and maximize their chances for success by limiting the reasons for failure.
Career Pathways
Throughout history, economies and civilizations have relied on those with vision, and those with the will to turn that vision into reality, to spur innovation. We embrace those with the entrepreneurial drive, ambition and skill-set by incorporating their spirit and ideals into a number of disciplines.
Unlike traditional career paths, the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track individual entrepreneurial endeavors, but it does track the effect business start-ups have on the US economy and vice versa. While the past several years have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of new enterprises, a rebound appears to be underway as the economy pulls itself out of the recession. If there is one thing that can be said about entrepreneurs, it's that they can sit on the sidelines patiently, but will do whatever it takes to get back in the game.
