Many people assume that in order to succeed as an entrepreneur, you need to have an MBA or a computer science degree. While it’s true that business skills or programming skills are very useful, they are also skills which can be learned or outsourced where necessary. In order to be a successful entrepreneur, you need to be able to not only control and predict outcomes, but to also ask the “what if’s?”
People trained in the humanities learn many of the necessary skills as part of their courses.
1. Observation. Entrepreneurs need to be very observant, and be able to find ways to adapt where necessary. Being able to observe and interpret art and literature is a core skill in the humanities.
2. Creativity. Entrepreneurs need to be able to think outside the box and find creative ways to solve problems. Creativity is another core skill in humanities.
3. Presentation and Performance. Being an entrepreneur requires the ability to sell yourself and your idea, whether to employees, founders, funders or customers. Having a solid background in writing, presenting and even performing enhances confidence and “stage presence” when pitching or selling.
4. Competitive analysis. All entrepreneurs need to know about their competitors and what they have done and are doing, as well as an overall market analysis. With a humanities background, these skills are developed along the way.
So if you’re from a humanities background, you already have a great set of core entrepreneurial skills! Now to put them into action. . .
EnSpire Oxford is a University of Oxford initiative to help connect people to the entrepreneurship resources they need, and to promote entrepreneurship across Oxfordshire.
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