Students - start your own business

[peterjhale]

Federation of Small Business persuades A-Level students to consider entrepreneurship in an attempt to close the skills gap

The organisation has reminded students that starting a business is a credible alternative to expensive university degrees and nine to five graduate jobs.

FSB Education Chairman Norman Mackel said, “After 3 years of exams, A-Level students can feel like they are on a production line with university and conventional employment the next steps in the process.


“But the world of work has changed significantly over the last few years and young people really do have a choice. More and more people, at different stages in their lives, are seeing self employment as the more attractive option.”

The FSB’s position underlines worrying trends felt elsewhere. The British Chamber of Commerce has already expressed concerns regarding the government’s target of getting 50 per cent of students into higher education.

An economic survey carried out by the BCC found that over the last ten years the number of employers experiencing difficulties finding people with the right skills has doubled.

Bill Midgley, President of the British Chambers of Commerce, said, “We wish ‘A’ level students the best of luck with their results but it is important that students, including the brightest, consider all options available to them and not simply head straight to university.”

The government’s 50 per cent target has been widely criticised with university drop-out rates increasing.

In the light of such concerns Mr Mackel emphasised the realistic alternatives available to young people,

“Being your own boss is a great aspiration for young people and there is plenty of assistance available to help turn a good idea into reality.

“Entrepreneurship is about seizing new opportunities and taking risks which is why it is so vital to the economy and what makes it such an exciting career choice.”

[AngelFace]

The CMI entrepreneurs offers great entrepreneurial courses (which are so far free) for University students considering entrepreneurship. This is originally set up between the University of Cambridge and MIT in the states with government funding, and anyone interested should check it out, it's great fun, great inspiration and great networking opportunity:
http://www.entrepreneurs.jims.cam.ac.uk

[peterjhale]

Hi Angelface and welcome to the forums

Good site you recommended there

Is this something you look after or just use ?

[AngelFace]

I've gone on the course myself and found it tremendously useful, hence I thought it'd be a good recommendation

[peterjhale]

Thanks Angel - we're always on the lookout for good resources

[Melody]

Any young people thinking of setting up in business might like to take a look at our website too www.starttalkingideas.org We are always looking for stories from young people who have set up their own business and of course we have Enterprise Week in November and if anybody is interested in taking part we'd love to hear from you.

[peterjhale]

Hi Melody and welcome

I see you have been posting your website address all over the place today...

I don't mind that seeing that you are a non profit concern, so perhaps you can return the favour by pointing people over here from your site ?

I hope you can help people out here and answer some questions perhaps ?

[quek]

If any student want to learn how to start an online business (any idea or no idea at all), I find learning from Ken Evoy's series of e-courses can help build a strong foundation in online business.

His courses are available free for down load. I personally read an learn a lot from his e-courses. Contact me if you want to know the site location.



Cheers,

Allan Tan Kim Kia

[lady therese]

Originally Posted by peterjhale

“Being your own boss is a great aspiration for young people and there is plenty of assistance available to help turn a good idea into reality.

“Entrepreneurship is about seizing new opportunities and taking risks which is why it is so vital to the economy and what makes it such an exciting career choice.”

I really love the idea of starting my own business! I am currently studying business management and entrepreneurship has been in my plans ever since I have started my course. However, I have problems with my financial limitations. I have multiple loans and currently in the process of availing a student loan consolidation program. I know it would somehow help but not so much to help me start my own business. You have mentioned plenty of assistance for aspiring entrepreneurs like me. I hope you can give to a few of them that you think might help me.

Thanks a lot.