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Avery
Student
Sylva, North Carolina
1
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What major for personal company?
What major in college would be the best to start you own company straight out of high school
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5 answers
Mike Qiao
28
Answers
Updated
Mike’s Answer
There's no such major specifically for an entrepreneur. You can do small business as a start. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1.Ideation and Research:
Begin by identifying a business idea or concept that you are passionate about and that addresses a specific problem or need in the market.
Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience, competition, and industry trends. Validate your idea to ensure there is demand for your product or service.
2.Business Plan:
Create a detailed business plan that outlines your business goals, target market, revenue model, marketing strategy, operations plan, and financial projections.
Your business plan will serve as a roadmap for your company's growth and will be useful when seeking funding or partnerships.
3.Legal Structure and Registration:
Choose a legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. The choice will affect your liability, taxation, and other legal aspects.
Register your business with the appropriate government authorities and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.
4.Finances:
Determine your startup costs and create a budget. Secure funding through personal savings, loans, investors, or grants, depending on your financial situation and needs.
Set up a business bank account to separate your personal and business finances.
5.Business Name and Branding:
Choose a memorable and unique name for your company. Check for trademark availability and register your business name if required.
Develop a strong brand identity, including a logo, website, and marketing materials, to establish a professional image.
6.Build a Team:
Identify the key roles and responsibilities needed to run your company. Hire employees or contractors as necessary, ensuring they align with your company's vision and values.
7.Product or Service Development:
Develop your product or service, ensuring it meets high-quality standards and addresses the needs of your target audience.
Test and iterate on your offerings based on user feedback.
8.Marketing and Sales:
Create a marketing strategy to reach your target customers. This may include digital marketing, content marketing, social media, and traditional advertising.
Develop a sales strategy to acquire customers and generate revenue. Establish pricing, sales channels, and distribution methods.
9.Legal and Compliance:
Consult with legal experts or attorneys to ensure you comply with all relevant laws and regulations in your industry and location.
Consider protecting your intellectual property through patents, trademarks, or copyrights if applicable.
10.Operations and Logistics:
Set up efficient and scalable operational processes. This includes inventory management, supply chain, customer support, and day-to-day business operations.
11.Launch and Promotion:
Plan a launch event or campaign to introduce your company to the market. Utilize your marketing strategy to build awareness and attract initial customers.
12.Customer Feedback and Adaptation:
Continuously gather feedback from customers and use it to improve your products or services. Be adaptable and open to making necessary changes.
13.Financial Management:
Monitor your financial performance closely, track expenses, and manage cash flow effectively. Budget for growth and expansion.
14.Scaling and Growth:
As your business grows, consider expansion opportunities, such as opening new locations, entering new markets, or diversifying your product offerings.
15.Persistence and Resilience:
Entrepreneurship can be challenging, and setbacks are common. Maintain a positive mindset, stay persistent, and learn from failures.
Starting a company is a significant undertaking that requires dedication, hard work, and continuous learning. Seek advice from mentors and experts in your industry, and don't hesitate to pivot or adjust your strategy as needed. Remember that success often comes with perseverance and adaptability.
**And if you're curious, you could check those famous entrepreneurs' majors as a reference.
Steve Jobs (Co-founder of Apple Inc.): Steve Jobs attended Reed College briefly before dropping out, but he continued taking classes such as calligraphy, which he later credited with influencing the design of Apple's Macintosh computer. He did not complete a formal degree.
Bill Gates (Co-founder of Microsoft): Bill Gates attended Harvard University and initially pursued a pre-law major but later switched to mathematics and computer science. He dropped out of Harvard to co-found Microsoft.
Mark Zuckerberg (Co-founder of Facebook): Mark Zuckerberg attended Harvard University and studied computer science and psychology. Like Bill Gates, he dropped out of Harvard to focus on his startup, Facebook.
Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX and Tesla): Elon Musk attended the University of Pennsylvania and studied physics and economics. He later earned two bachelor's degrees in physics and economics.
Warren Buffett (Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway): Warren Buffett attended the University of Nebraska and studied business administration. He later earned a master's degree in economics from Columbia University.
Oprah Winfrey (Media Mogul and TV Host): Oprah Winfrey attended Tennessee State University and studied communication. She began her career in broadcasting and later founded her own media company.
Richard Branson (Founder of Virgin Group): Richard Branson struggled with dyslexia during his school years and eventually dropped out of school at age 16. He started his entrepreneurial journey with ventures like Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines.
Larry Ellison (Co-founder of Oracle Corporation): Larry Ellison attended the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago but did not graduate. He pursued computer science and physics courses before founding Oracle.
Jack Ma (Co-founder of Alibaba Group): Jack Ma attended Hangzhou Teacher's Institute (now Hangzhou Normal University) in China, where he studied English. He later became a teacher before venturing into e-commerce with Alibaba.
Sara Blakely (Founder of Spanx): Sara Blakely graduated from Florida State University with a degree in communications and a minor in business administration. She worked in various sales and marketing roles before starting Spanx.
These examples demonstrate that there is no specific major or educational background that guarantees entrepreneurial success. Entrepreneurship often requires a combination of vision, innovation, determination, and practical skills, and many entrepreneurs leverage their educational experiences and personal interests to build successful businesses. It's important to follow your passions and interests while pursuing entrepreneurship, as your unique background and experiences can be valuable assets in your entrepreneurial journey.
1.Ideation and Research:
Begin by identifying a business idea or concept that you are passionate about and that addresses a specific problem or need in the market.
Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience, competition, and industry trends. Validate your idea to ensure there is demand for your product or service.
2.Business Plan:
Create a detailed business plan that outlines your business goals, target market, revenue model, marketing strategy, operations plan, and financial projections.
Your business plan will serve as a roadmap for your company's growth and will be useful when seeking funding or partnerships.
3.Legal Structure and Registration:
Choose a legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. The choice will affect your liability, taxation, and other legal aspects.
Register your business with the appropriate government authorities and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.
4.Finances:
Determine your startup costs and create a budget. Secure funding through personal savings, loans, investors, or grants, depending on your financial situation and needs.
Set up a business bank account to separate your personal and business finances.
5.Business Name and Branding:
Choose a memorable and unique name for your company. Check for trademark availability and register your business name if required.
Develop a strong brand identity, including a logo, website, and marketing materials, to establish a professional image.
6.Build a Team:
Identify the key roles and responsibilities needed to run your company. Hire employees or contractors as necessary, ensuring they align with your company's vision and values.
7.Product or Service Development:
Develop your product or service, ensuring it meets high-quality standards and addresses the needs of your target audience.
Test and iterate on your offerings based on user feedback.
8.Marketing and Sales:
Create a marketing strategy to reach your target customers. This may include digital marketing, content marketing, social media, and traditional advertising.
Develop a sales strategy to acquire customers and generate revenue. Establish pricing, sales channels, and distribution methods.
9.Legal and Compliance:
Consult with legal experts or attorneys to ensure you comply with all relevant laws and regulations in your industry and location.
Consider protecting your intellectual property through patents, trademarks, or copyrights if applicable.
10.Operations and Logistics:
Set up efficient and scalable operational processes. This includes inventory management, supply chain, customer support, and day-to-day business operations.
11.Launch and Promotion:
Plan a launch event or campaign to introduce your company to the market. Utilize your marketing strategy to build awareness and attract initial customers.
12.Customer Feedback and Adaptation:
Continuously gather feedback from customers and use it to improve your products or services. Be adaptable and open to making necessary changes.
13.Financial Management:
Monitor your financial performance closely, track expenses, and manage cash flow effectively. Budget for growth and expansion.
14.Scaling and Growth:
As your business grows, consider expansion opportunities, such as opening new locations, entering new markets, or diversifying your product offerings.
15.Persistence and Resilience:
Entrepreneurship can be challenging, and setbacks are common. Maintain a positive mindset, stay persistent, and learn from failures.
Starting a company is a significant undertaking that requires dedication, hard work, and continuous learning. Seek advice from mentors and experts in your industry, and don't hesitate to pivot or adjust your strategy as needed. Remember that success often comes with perseverance and adaptability.
**And if you're curious, you could check those famous entrepreneurs' majors as a reference.
Steve Jobs (Co-founder of Apple Inc.): Steve Jobs attended Reed College briefly before dropping out, but he continued taking classes such as calligraphy, which he later credited with influencing the design of Apple's Macintosh computer. He did not complete a formal degree.
Bill Gates (Co-founder of Microsoft): Bill Gates attended Harvard University and initially pursued a pre-law major but later switched to mathematics and computer science. He dropped out of Harvard to co-found Microsoft.
Mark Zuckerberg (Co-founder of Facebook): Mark Zuckerberg attended Harvard University and studied computer science and psychology. Like Bill Gates, he dropped out of Harvard to focus on his startup, Facebook.
Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX and Tesla): Elon Musk attended the University of Pennsylvania and studied physics and economics. He later earned two bachelor's degrees in physics and economics.
Warren Buffett (Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway): Warren Buffett attended the University of Nebraska and studied business administration. He later earned a master's degree in economics from Columbia University.
Oprah Winfrey (Media Mogul and TV Host): Oprah Winfrey attended Tennessee State University and studied communication. She began her career in broadcasting and later founded her own media company.
Richard Branson (Founder of Virgin Group): Richard Branson struggled with dyslexia during his school years and eventually dropped out of school at age 16. He started his entrepreneurial journey with ventures like Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines.
Larry Ellison (Co-founder of Oracle Corporation): Larry Ellison attended the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago but did not graduate. He pursued computer science and physics courses before founding Oracle.
Jack Ma (Co-founder of Alibaba Group): Jack Ma attended Hangzhou Teacher's Institute (now Hangzhou Normal University) in China, where he studied English. He later became a teacher before venturing into e-commerce with Alibaba.
Sara Blakely (Founder of Spanx): Sara Blakely graduated from Florida State University with a degree in communications and a minor in business administration. She worked in various sales and marketing roles before starting Spanx.
These examples demonstrate that there is no specific major or educational background that guarantees entrepreneurial success. Entrepreneurship often requires a combination of vision, innovation, determination, and practical skills, and many entrepreneurs leverage their educational experiences and personal interests to build successful businesses. It's important to follow your passions and interests while pursuing entrepreneurship, as your unique background and experiences can be valuable assets in your entrepreneurial journey.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Starting your own company straight out of high school is a bold and ambitious endeavor, and your choice of major can play a role in your success. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, certain majors can provide you with valuable skills and knowledge to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. Here are some majors to consider:
1. **Entrepreneurship**: Some colleges offer Entrepreneurship programs or majors. These programs are specifically designed to prepare you for starting and running your own business. They cover business planning, innovation, marketing, and management.
2. **Business Administration**: A degree in Business Administration provides a broad foundation in business concepts, which is essential for entrepreneurship. You'll learn about finance, marketing, operations, and management.
3. **Finance**: Understanding finance is crucial for managing the financial aspects of your business, including budgeting, funding, and investment strategies.
4. **Marketing**: A major in Marketing can help you develop skills in branding, market research, and advertising, which are essential for promoting your products or services.
5. **Computer Science/Information Technology**: In today's tech-driven world, having technical skills can be a significant advantage. Computer Science or IT majors can help you develop software or technology solutions for your business.
6. **Engineering**: Engineering majors, especially those in fields like electrical or software engineering, can create innovative products or services and have a strong technical foundation.
7. **Product Design/Industrial Design**: These majors focus on creating physical products and can be beneficial if your business involves designing and manufacturing products.
8. **Economics**: Understanding economic principles and market dynamics can help you make informed business decisions.
9. **Environmental Science/Sustainability**: If you're interested in environmentally friendly or sustainable businesses, these majors can provide the knowledge needed for eco-conscious entrepreneurship.
10. **Psychology**: Understanding consumer behavior and interpersonal dynamics is valuable for marketing and managing employees.
11. **International Business**: If you plan to operate globally, this major can prepare you for the challenges and opportunities of international markets.
12. **Communication**: Strong communication skills are crucial for networking, building relationships, and pitching your business ideas.
Regardless of your major, here are some tips for success when starting your own company:
1. **Gain Practical Experience**: Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering can provide valuable real-world experience.
2. **Network**: Build a strong network of mentors, advisors, and potential business partners. Networking can open doors and provide valuable guidance.
3. **Market Research**: Understand your target market and competition thoroughly. Market research is crucial for a successful business.
4. **Develop Soft Skills**: Leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience are important qualities for entrepreneurs.
5. **Plan Thoroughly**: Create a solid business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
6. **Seek Funding**: Explore funding options such as loans, grants, investors, or crowdfunding.
Remember that entrepreneurship is inherently risky, so be prepared for challenges and setbacks. Continuous learning, adaptability, and a strong work ethic will be essential on your journey to starting and running your own company.
1. **Entrepreneurship**: Some colleges offer Entrepreneurship programs or majors. These programs are specifically designed to prepare you for starting and running your own business. They cover business planning, innovation, marketing, and management.
2. **Business Administration**: A degree in Business Administration provides a broad foundation in business concepts, which is essential for entrepreneurship. You'll learn about finance, marketing, operations, and management.
3. **Finance**: Understanding finance is crucial for managing the financial aspects of your business, including budgeting, funding, and investment strategies.
4. **Marketing**: A major in Marketing can help you develop skills in branding, market research, and advertising, which are essential for promoting your products or services.
5. **Computer Science/Information Technology**: In today's tech-driven world, having technical skills can be a significant advantage. Computer Science or IT majors can help you develop software or technology solutions for your business.
6. **Engineering**: Engineering majors, especially those in fields like electrical or software engineering, can create innovative products or services and have a strong technical foundation.
7. **Product Design/Industrial Design**: These majors focus on creating physical products and can be beneficial if your business involves designing and manufacturing products.
8. **Economics**: Understanding economic principles and market dynamics can help you make informed business decisions.
9. **Environmental Science/Sustainability**: If you're interested in environmentally friendly or sustainable businesses, these majors can provide the knowledge needed for eco-conscious entrepreneurship.
10. **Psychology**: Understanding consumer behavior and interpersonal dynamics is valuable for marketing and managing employees.
11. **International Business**: If you plan to operate globally, this major can prepare you for the challenges and opportunities of international markets.
12. **Communication**: Strong communication skills are crucial for networking, building relationships, and pitching your business ideas.
Regardless of your major, here are some tips for success when starting your own company:
1. **Gain Practical Experience**: Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering can provide valuable real-world experience.
2. **Network**: Build a strong network of mentors, advisors, and potential business partners. Networking can open doors and provide valuable guidance.
3. **Market Research**: Understand your target market and competition thoroughly. Market research is crucial for a successful business.
4. **Develop Soft Skills**: Leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience are important qualities for entrepreneurs.
5. **Plan Thoroughly**: Create a solid business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
6. **Seek Funding**: Explore funding options such as loans, grants, investors, or crowdfunding.
Remember that entrepreneurship is inherently risky, so be prepared for challenges and setbacks. Continuous learning, adaptability, and a strong work ethic will be essential on your journey to starting and running your own company.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you want to become an entrepreneur. Have you thought about what industry you want to start your business.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what industry you would like to start your business, eg something you have interest or you have strength
2.do some analysis on the industry eg entry criteria, competition status, any alternative/ substitutes, etc.
3. Take some industry related course and management courses
4. Work in the industry sometime to understand the business model and establish people network
5. Start the business online first if possible
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what industry you would like to start your business, eg something you have interest or you have strength
2.do some analysis on the industry eg entry criteria, competition status, any alternative/ substitutes, etc.
3. Take some industry related course and management courses
4. Work in the industry sometime to understand the business model and establish people network
5. Start the business online first if possible
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Katherine L
45
Answers
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi, if you want to start your own business right after high school, you don't need a specific college major, but some choices can be really helpful.
You could study business and management, which teaches you about running companies, or even entrepreneurship, which is all about starting businesses. These majors cover things like planning, finances, and making good business choices. If you're into technology, computer science or engineering can be great, as they help you create tech-based products. If you like design, a major in design can teach you how to make things look good and work well. Marketing helps you understand how to promote your business, and finance helps with managing money.
Remember, while your major matters, starting a business also takes real-world experience, networking, and determination. So, choose something you're passionate about and consider getting practical experience and advice from mentors to boost your chances of success.
You could study business and management, which teaches you about running companies, or even entrepreneurship, which is all about starting businesses. These majors cover things like planning, finances, and making good business choices. If you're into technology, computer science or engineering can be great, as they help you create tech-based products. If you like design, a major in design can teach you how to make things look good and work well. Marketing helps you understand how to promote your business, and finance helps with managing money.
Remember, while your major matters, starting a business also takes real-world experience, networking, and determination. So, choose something you're passionate about and consider getting practical experience and advice from mentors to boost your chances of success.
I love this answer from Katherine because it hits on an often missed part of the equation for entrepreneurship. What you do in/around campus is almost more important than the major if you want to immediately start a business after school. Practice and perfect your networking and communication skills. Learn situational leadership. Launching a successful business has a factor of 'Who you know and how can they help' that doesn't come from classes.
Brandon Knight
Christine Jabs VanderPloeg
Customer Experience Lead
1
Answer
Saint Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Christine’s Answer
If you want to start a business right out of college, there are a few things you should consider. First, you need to figure out what type of business you want to start. Once you know that, you can choose a major that will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.
If you plan on doing the work yourself, you'll need to figure out what type of education or certification is required for your chosen field. You'll also need to learn about market trends and hone your sales skills, as well as understand finance, inventory, and taxes. These are all important aspects of running a successful business, so it's important to be prepared.
Remember, building your own business takes a lot of effort, time and dedication. You'll be your own boss and that's great, you will also need to plan for big ticket items often covered by employers, vacation pay, benefits medical, sick and disability. Depending where you live there may be pension contribution requirements and since you are both the employer and the employee you would be responsible for both sides of those contributions.
Starting a business is a big undertaking, but with the right education and preparation, you can achieve your goals. Good luck!
If you plan on doing the work yourself, you'll need to figure out what type of education or certification is required for your chosen field. You'll also need to learn about market trends and hone your sales skills, as well as understand finance, inventory, and taxes. These are all important aspects of running a successful business, so it's important to be prepared.
Remember, building your own business takes a lot of effort, time and dedication. You'll be your own boss and that's great, you will also need to plan for big ticket items often covered by employers, vacation pay, benefits medical, sick and disability. Depending where you live there may be pension contribution requirements and since you are both the employer and the employee you would be responsible for both sides of those contributions.
Starting a business is a big undertaking, but with the right education and preparation, you can achieve your goals. Good luck!