K-12    

4 ways students can develop entrepreneurial skills



Give your child a head start

4 ways students can develop entrepreneurial skills


Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. Young people who aspire to become prominent business professionals can now get a head start on the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs before they ever leave high school.

Training for a particular field is an essential step in career preparation, but success comes from more than academic training. Developing ingenuity and creativity can take young professionals far, and those skills aren’t necessarily found in a classroom.

If you, or a student in your life, is set on embarking on a challenging and rewarding path toward economic success, explore those entrepreneurial interests with these tips from the experts at Junior Achievement (JA), whose research shows 61% of teens would rather start their own businesses than have traditional jobs.

Tap Into Your Network
Role models can provide immeasurable insight into the world of business and economics, demonstrating what it takes to build a successful and sustainable career. Identify someone in your circle who can serve as a mentor as you plan for the future. This might be a teacher, neighbor, someone who attends your church or a business owner in your community. Meeting and chatting even a couple of times a month can help you channel your ambition.

Participate in Leadership Events
Leaders put their skills into action. As a student, you can begin practicing your leadership skills by participating in events that challenge and engage you. For example, the JA National Summit allows student teams – through the support of leading businesses like Staples, the Pacific Life Foundation and Chick-fil-A – to demonstrate their business acumen, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in a competitive environment, showcasing their companies to Members of Congress.

Through one of the four dynamic competitions, the Company of the Year Competition, students launch and operate real business enterprises under the guidance of dedicated local business volunteers, conceptualize and market a product or service that addresses unmet consumer needs and attracts investors for their ventures. By most effectively demonstrating its company’s achievements, as well as the personal development of each team member, FlameGuard, which offers a variety of fire safety products, was crowned this year’s JA Company of the Year.

READ MORE: 3 tips to help entrepreneurs stay on track

Understand Your Intended Industry
It’s never too early to begin following notable happenings in professional fields that interest you. That might mean monitoring news stories and setting up search terms to alert you to the latest articles. You may also be able to subscribe to publications dedicated to the industry and join professional organizations connected to the field as a student ambassador. Researching the field can give you a stronger idea of how you can become more directly involved as a student.

Expand Your Education
As a student, you may have limited opportunities to explore your career field while also meeting the requirements for your high school diploma. However, you can join (or start) a club to sharpen your focus on areas you have a special interest. You can also look for ways to learn more about your chosen field outside of school hours by attending camps, seminars and workshops. You may even be able to land a part-time job, internship or apprenticeship that provides greater visibility to your future career plans.

Find more ideas to support your growth as a future business leader at ja.org.

(Family Features)


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Nourish family connections with every bite

    Boost social, emotional and physical health with egg-inspired recipes

    Dine together, shine together. Weekly sit-down meals with family can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make everyone feel more connected – all while sharing delicious, healthy and easy-to-prepare food. read more »
  • Lasers: A safer alternative to weight-loss drugs?

    Information to help you make the decision that is right for you

    Weight-loss drugs have skyrocketed in popularity because of their quick results and use among celebrities and influencers. J.P. Morgan predicts that by 2030, 30 million Americans will use them. read more »
  • Recipe of the week November 4

    Find comfort in a one-pot pie

    That first day of chilly weather always feels the coldest before you’re accustomed to it, and an easy, warm, filling meal can help hit the spot. Better yet, this rendition of Shepherd’s Pie is made with just one pot so cleanup can be a snap. read more »
  • Aim for healthier hydration with a habit-building beverage

    Try this yummy and easy to make smoothie

    Begin building tiny, healthier practices into routines you already have to help make it easier to establish habits you can stick to. This concept is called “habit stacking,” and it can help you improve habits from morning to night. read more »
  • Please pumpkin lovers with a twist on a fall favorite

    A simple, easy to prepare dessert

    Apple, cherry and blueberry crumbles may get all the adoration, but when fall comes around, you may as well lean into the flavor of the season: pumpkin. This simple dessert satisfies the sweet tooth with some fiber to boot. read more »
  • Take the stress out of winter travel

    What you need to know

    While there’s plenty to appreciate about winter travel, including picturesque scenery and festive moments with loved ones, the season brings a unique set of challenges, too. However, you can take steps to manage potential stress as you prepare for a seasonal journey. read more »
  • Celebrate cozy season with a creamy, comforting meal

    Super soup that is easy to make

    A snug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love. read more »
  • Simple, flavorful fall dessert

    A yummy recipe your family will love

    If your family’s taste buds have grown tired of apple-inspired fall desserts, simply look toward another quintessential autumn flavor: pumpkin. Quick and easy to prepare using a spice cake mix that provides all the flavor without the stress, this cake can be dressed to impress at a fall gathering or served after weeknight dinner. read more »
  • A go-to sweet potato side

    Treat yourself and your family to this simple dish

    Sweet potatoes seem to scream “fall,” especially this roasted version that pairs well with a wide variety of family favorites like fried chicken. It can be your go-to recipe when comfort cravings call for a savory (not sweet) side. read more »
  • Keep cold and flu season at bay

    4 top tips from experts

    It doesn’t take much for cold and flu symptoms to take over. Even a mild case of the sniffles can make navigating everyday life's demands difficult. It’s virtually impossible to avoid germs altogether, but you can ensure you’re ready to fight off an infection, whether a minor cold or a full-blown case of the flu. read more »