In recent years, entrepreneurship has become much more accessible to anyone with a good idea. There are amazing accelerator options in Vancouver like Launch Academy or Wavefront that focus on providing technology entrepreneurs with support & mentorship. There are also courses young entrepreneurs can take at university and through organizations like Futurpreneur that provide resources for those looking to start a business in British Columbia. Of course, if you or your children are between the ages of 8 and 18, you’ve got us at Startup Skool to help provide you with the knowledge and skill sets to get you started! 

But not everyone will get into entrepreneurship these ways. Some might first work at other companies to gain more experience, learn how a business is run by another entrepreneur, or build up a large network before jumping in with two feet. These are the top three “prerequisite” positions that we at Startup Skool believe to be the most relevant to entrepreneurship.

1. Sales.

In any sales positions, you will learn the basics of communicating a product or service value-add to prospective clients. As an entrepreneur, you will have to do this 24/7. You will also learn strong persuasion skills, which you’ll depend on daily for every aspect of your own business. Since sales positions are often commission-based, you will understand exactly what it takes to thrive in an environment where your livelihood depends entirely on your ability to find success. Plus, the amount of rejection you will receive through cold emails and cold calls will toughen you up and teach you how to turn that rejection into action, which you will rely on tremendously in the entrepreneurial world.

2. Management.  

In any management role, be it at a grocery store, a restaurant, or an office – you will learn how to build and manage a functioning team. With this comes a solid foundation in understanding teamwork, effective delegation, and resource management. As an entrepreneur, you will have a better chance of success if you can learn to stop doing everything yourself and let others in to share the workload. The better you can manage that process, the more efficient your business will become. 

3. Work at a Startup.

What better way to learn the ins and outs of operating a new business than by working at a startup! You will experience first-hand what it takes to get a viable product or service off the ground and into the market. Additionally, you’ll build a strong professional network with people who are knee-deep in the startup industry – and you will no doubt rely heavily on those relationships when it comes time to launching your own venture.

As a bonus, it never hurts to take as many courses on the side as you can! When running your own business, you would benefit immensely from courses on topics to do with: marketing, sales, SEO, design, technology & coding. Some of the best technology boot camps, like Red Academy, are reshaping the way these courses are delivered. Combining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in a condensed time frame.

If you have any questions on what programs, workshops or courses to enroll your child or yourself, give us a shout at [email protected] and we’ll be able to point you in the right direction!