To help you make the right decision, we’ve listed just some of the main things for current or aspiring business owners to consider before jumping into a college degree.
Do You Really Need a Degree?
First, ask yourself if you really need to study for a degree. If you’re fresh out of high school with big plans for running your own future business but no real knowledge or experience, then you could certainly benefit from enrolling on a relevant degree program such as business administration, management and leadership, or business finance from an online university such as Purdue Global. The degrees that Purdue offers are obtained online, so if you’re busy with other commitments this approach to learning may be the ideal option for you, especially if you don’t want to go straight back to the classroom.
On the other hand, if you have years of managing a successful business under your belt, ask yourself is it really worth investing in such an expensive education? If you want to improve your knowledge and skills, a shorter and cheaper program may be a better choice for you.
What Type of Degree Will Be Most Beneficial?
There are several great degree programs to choose from if you want to use your education to improve your knowledge and skills as an entrepreneur. You could study a degree in entrepreneurship business administration to gain a broad knowledge of the subject, or focus on a more department-specific program, such as marketing, accounting and finance, or leadership and management. If you are already a business owner, it’s a wise idea to take a step back and review your entrepreneurial performance so far.
If you have employees, ask them for feedback and opinions – their input can help you determine your strengths and weaknesses in business. In turn, you’ll be in a better position to decide which degree is best for you. Do you want to improve your strengths, or work on your weaknesses?
How Else Can Attending College Benefit Me?
Bear in mind that the benefits of studying for a college degree aren’t just limited to the academic alone. Along with what you’ll learn, it’s also worth considering the additional benefits of going to college as a current or aspiring entrepreneur.
One of the biggest non-academic perks of getting a college degree is that it’s an awesome opportunity to network and meet people who could be hugely valuable to your existing or future brand. Studying for a business-related degree program allows you to meet, share ideas, and collaborate with fellow students, professors, entrepreneurs, investors, employers, and professionals who have extensive experience working in your chosen industry.
Studying for a college degree can give your professional network a major boost, in turn giving you better access to support, advice, and ideas.
Will Studying for a Degree Improve My Business?
If you’re going to invest in a college degree, it’s always best to be sure that you’re going to reap a good return on your investment in the future. Many entrepreneurs will agree that there’s no point in paying thousands of dollars’ worth of your hard-earned cash in tuition fees if you’re not going to get the full benefits of the qualification. The good news is that providing you choose your major subject wisely, you can use it to give your company a considerable boost.
Today, the world of business is subject to constant change, with new technologies, business strategies, and tools for success introduced regularly. Studying for a college degree can help you stay up-to-date with both current and future business trends; in turn this will enable you to keep your business in line with what customers want.
Can I Benefit from a Degree Even If I Change Careers?
Many entrepreneurs like to have a back-up plan. With nine out of every ten start-ups failing quickly and competition fiercer than ever before, knowing that you’ll easily be able to find work if your entrepreneurial aspirations don’t go to plan can provide the peace of mind and security that you need.
Taking a college degree course in a business-related subject can not only help you to become a better entrepreneur, it can also open many opportunities for alternative, lucrative roles if your business doesn’t work out or you just want to do something different. The fact that you have experience in running your own business coupled with an attractive degree qualification will certainly make your resume stand out to potential future employers.
Do you think that entrepreneurs can benefit from attending college, or is it unnecessary in your opinion? Does it depend on the person or situation? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
