Entrepreneur - Carrer Guide

The main role of an entrepreneur is to create, manage, and develop a business from concept to success. 

To achieve this, they:

• Develop a business idea and plan
  They start with an innovative idea, identify a market need, and build a viable business plan that outlines objectives, costs, and growth strategies.
  
• Launch and manage operations
  Entrepreneurs oversee all operational aspects, from registering the company to managing suppliers, marketing, and customer relations.
  
• Make strategic and financial decisions
  They handle budgeting, pricing, investments, and long-term planning, ensuring profitability and sustainability.
  
• Lead and inspire teams
  As the company grows, entrepreneurs recruit and manage staff, motivate teams, and establish a positive company culture.

Ultimately, entrepreneurs are both visionaries and executors capable of turning creative concepts into successful, tangible businesses.

Entrepreneurs often start by working independently, usually from home or shared workspaces. As their business develops, they may establish offices or production sites. They have full control over their working hours, business model, and strategy, giving them significant autonomy but also responsibility.

They may operate under different legal structures, such as a sole proprietorship (EI), single-member limited liability company (EURL), or limited liability company (SARL), depending on the size and needs of the business. Some entrepreneurs also prefer to take over existing companies rather than create new ones, bringing their management and innovation skills to revitalise them.

Whether at business schools or universities, there are many courses that can lead to a career in entrepreneurship, and more specifically, prepare students for entrepreneurship. There are a variety of courses available, including economics, commerce, and business administration.

In general, longer courses are preferred in order to acquire all the necessary knowledge.

• Three-year degree

After completing their secondary education, students can choose to begin their studies with a bachelor’s degree in management or a bachelor’s degree in business development, which is valued for its combination of practical experience and theory.

• Five-year degree

Holders of a three-year degree can then build on their knowledge with a master’s degree or an MSc (Master of Science) specialisation.

Among the programmes to consider, ISC Paris offers a master’s degree in Business Development and Entrepreneurship  that prepares students for entrepreneurship. It covers several areas, including taxation, social law, innovation and digital marketing.

It is also possible to choose a more specialised and equally comprehensive MSc, such as the MSc in Finance and Risk Management.

If they want a change of environment, senior entrepreneurs can easily apply for a sales director position. They join a company and take charge of its sales strategy, with the aim of developing its activities to increase its annual turnover.

Some entrepreneurs become consultants to help other companies grow. They can advise on a variety of topics such as business creation, strategy and commercial growth.

Generally, entrepreneurs attain the position of project manager within a large group and are responsible for coordinating all stages of a project, from its conception to its final completion.

After creating and developing their first business, some entrepreneurs decide to embark on new projects and become serial entrepreneurs. They are recognised for their innovative spirit and their ability to identify market opportunities.