How to support students by considering independent work

Comres's search has shown that Only 2% of freelancers I think they had learned enough about the independent work of the university. Despite the increase in entrepreneurial studies within corporate departments, a skills gap persists in providing students with the expertise and confidence to do so alone after university.

So what can universities do to ensure that they offer practical skills to students who envisage independent work?

What skills and support do you need students?

When Nottingham Business School has become the first university to offer non-conforming to marketingA course designed to help students explore the practical aspects of starting a business, earlier this year, it was overwritten. Many students said they were enthusiastic about the opportunity to explore independent work and discover the realities of creating a business, while having The benefit of mentorship Along the way. The 16 -week course offered a mixture of learning in person and online and followed step by step all the details that a student needed to understand how to find work, create a business, marketing, negotiating contracts, finding funding and network.

The course made the work independent accessible. It was not a theory but rather focused on practices and allowed students to learn-owner role models to strengthen their confidence and their skills to show them that the creation of their own business was possible.

How can universities inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs?

What we have found is that students need practical advice and practical advice – such as how to find customers, when becoming a limited business and how to attract investments – to Transform their ideas into reality. They wanted to ask questions and explore what independent work would look like – from the implementation of a company to daily considerations such as the processing of contracts, regulations of the GDPR and how much they could win realistically.

By breaking down the key elements into modules, the course provided students with a kind of test to see if the independent work was for them. Small groups attended networking meetings to learn to present their business, to speak to other companies and to find collaboration opportunities.

What should a practical independent work course look like?

Our experience has helped us understand the skills that future entrepreneurs need in a practical professional course. Here are our key elements.

Offer real world experience

Find an entrepreneur (rather than a teacher) to provide the course. They will offer a new dynamic; Someone who can talk about their own experience is able to share information that cannot be found in a manual. We note that students react well when talking to someone who has walked and can explain the details using their own business as an example. Students do not want more generalized information and theory; They want to learn to be a business owner, not a student. They need support with general skills such as talking about their business and presenting and writing by e-mail to customers; And above all, they must practice these skills to strengthen their confidence in business.

Adopt an interdisciplinary approach

Make independent work an option for students, whatever their course. Entrepreneurship does not only belong to trade studies; And if universities must adopt the desire of independent work graduates, support must be offered between institutes and faculties. Marketing Mavericks is open to all students of the business school, from marketing to commercial studies. This makes the skills available to students who could otherwise cover a form of entrepreneurship in their course.

What students need are advice adapted to the creation of a business in their field of expertise. Look how students can use what they learned in their diploma to create a business with real examples and practical advice.

Focus on practical skills more than theory

Students often have their own ideas on what they want their business to be. They need to know logistics how to make this possible. Do not sacrifice the basics to focus on theory. Subjects such as how to register a business, what to invoice, how to find work and the legal implications for the creation of a business are invaluable for young entrepreneurs. The course equipment could include a step -by -step guide on how to manage a business and a session on life as a freelancer. Adapt the course to introduce each element of the order, subjects or problems would arise in the start -up process of their business – from the initial concept to growth management.

Help students recognize their skills

When we asked students why they had not looked at the independent work before, many said that confidence was an important factor holding them. They knew what they wanted to do, but felt that they needed to find a role of higher education to gain experience before starting for themselves.

We have given students the opportunity to participate in networking groups to meet owners of small businesses. It gave them a chance to have someone to show them these skills, work with them on their 60 -second field or explain how to make the most of networking events. He offered a real experience and an opportunity to prove themselves that they could do it. By providing support through online modules and people in person in integration customers, the course allows them to practice essential skills and create their own business while having additional support.

If we want to support more graduates to realize their dreams of starting a business, we must offer them the opportunity to improve their skills and achieve their potential. Part of this image is a safe space to practice and learn that shows them that independent work is an option for students.

Victoria Prince is an entrepreneur with almost a decade of experience in managing her own business, Contact points marketingAnd it is main for the not-the-own marketing of Nottingham Business School at Nottingham Trent University.

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