How To Become An Entrepreneur: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

Overview

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Updated April 5, 2024

3 min read

An entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs a business. They come up with new business ideas, get funding, hire employees, and manage resources. They also use their business as a way to make money and improve their quality of life. Entrepreneurs often study market trends, competition, and customer needs to develop products and services that meet those needs. They manage their businesses through financial reports, sales forecasts, and other performance data. They also handle tasks like hiring, training, and coaching staff, managing inventory, and developing marketing plans. Some entrepreneurs even use their business to raise awareness about social issues or promote environmental sustainability.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Entrepreneurs in the next 3-5 years?

Laura Lott ValentiHow To Become An Entrepreneur: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (1)

Assistant Professor of MarketingJohn C. Daigle Endowed Professor, Nicholls State University

I foresee technology that enhances communication and training as a central focus in the next 3-5 years. With the move to so many people and organizations being online, enhanced communications and training online are needed to maintain efficiency while also advancing technology in these areas.

How long does it takes to become an entrepreneur?

It takes approximately 6 to 8 years to become an entrepreneur.

Year 1-4: Bachelor's DegreeYear 5-8: Gaining 4-6 Years of ExperienceYear 8: Less than 1 Month of On-Site Training and 6-12 Months of On-Job Training

Mark J. McLennon, Assistant Professor of Business Planning at The American College of Financial Services, emphasizes, "new graduates need to be flexible and have a real desire to continue to learn." Laura Lott Valenti, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Nicholls State University, advises, "find out what you're good at and then find a way to get paid for it."

  • Salary$70,849
  • Growth Rate6%
  • Jobs Number34,711
  • Complexity LevelChallenging
  • Most Common SkillKids
  • Most Common DegreeBachelor's degree
  • Best StateMichigan

Entrepreneur career paths

An entrepreneur can pursue various career paths. They can become vice presidents or executive vice presidents who manage a company's operations and make strategic decisions. They can also become chief finance officers or chief finance and operating officers who oversee a company's financial planning and operations. Marketing vice presidents and chief marketing officers are also common career paths for entrepreneurs, as they develop and execute marketing strategies to promote a company's products or services. Additionally, entrepreneurs can become presidents, senior vice presidents, and general managers who manage a company's overall operations and make key decisions regarding strategy and direction. Some entrepreneurs even start their own businesses, becoming co-founders, owners, or general managers of their own companies.

Key steps to become an entrepreneur

  1. Explore entrepreneur education requirements

    If you're interested in becoming an entrepreneur, you must consider how much education you need. Based on real entrepreneur resumes, 61.7% of entrepreneurs have a bachelor's degree. Regarding higher education levels, 11.2% of entrepreneurs have master's degrees. Even though most entrepreneurs have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

    Most common entrepreneur degrees

    Bachelor's

    61.7

    %

    Associate

    14.3

    %

    Master's

    11.2

    %

  2. Start to develop specific entrepreneur skills

    An entrepreneur needs a variety of skills to succeed. These include the ability to study market trends, analyze customer feedback, and develop strategic business direction. They must also be able to manage their finances, maintain customer relationships, and improve their products and services. In addition, they should have strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to adapt to changes in the market.

    SkillsPercentages
    Kids51.14%
    Web Design7.46%
    Product Development4.59%
    Business Plan4.28%
    Financial Statements4.13%

    Show more

  3. Complete relevant entrepreneur training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New entrepreneurs learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an entrepreneur based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real entrepreneur resumes.

  4. Research entrepreneur duties and responsibilities

    They manage business operations, review financial statements, and analyze market trends. They also create and manage marketing plans, business cards, and signage. They train and coach staff, handle accounting details, and incorporate customer inputs to integrate new products into their line. They develop and implement business management software solutions, establish business relationships, and create and develop marketing plans. They also design and develop websites, and manage Instagram pages for clients.

    • Create and manage Instagram pages for clients, which contributes to the increase in social media following.
    • Manage and find members of band; help create YouTube videos; write music and play guitar.
    • Start and manage this LLC dedicate to the seasonal retail and wholesale sale of consumer fireworks at multiple locations in Pennsylvania
    • Formulate strategy and lead resulting IP acquisition and development efforts.
  5. Prepare your entrepreneur resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your entrepreneur resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an entrepreneur resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Entrepreneur Resume templates

    Build a professional

    Entrepreneur

    resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume.

    Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Entrepreneur resume.

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  6. Apply for entrepreneur jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an entrepreneur job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How To Become An Entrepreneur: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (18)

Are you an Entrepreneur?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average entrepreneur salary

The average Entrepreneur salary in the United States is $70,849 per year or $34 per hour. Entrepreneur salaries range between $42,000 and $118,000 per year.

Average

Entrepreneur

Salary

$70,849Yearly

More entrepreneur salary info

What Am I Worth?

How To Become An Entrepreneur: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (19)

How do entrepreneurs rate their job?

Entrepreneur FAQs

Have more questions?

See all answers to common executive management questions.

Search for entrepreneur jobs

Updated April 5, 2024

How To Become An Entrepreneur: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (20)

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Updated April 5, 2024

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How To Become An Entrepreneur: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)
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