Regarding changing the course of direction; is being an entrepreneur a valuable skill in our CV, when we apply for a job, in case the business idea does not succeed?

Posted 27/03/2014 by Beata Pedziwiatr

Response by Dave Jarman, Head of Enterprise Education, University of Bristol:

"Absolutely! It's commercial experience gained the hard way! If you’ve had an entrepreneurial venture prior to interviewing for a job it’ll be the main element of the interview – because it illustrates business skills, commitment, team skills, communication & leadership – it’s a microcosm of bigger businesses and the learning can be profound. Entrepreneurship is a set of skills anyway – turning ideas into innovations, building teams, exploring markets, problem solving, etc."

Response by Kelly Smith, Head of Enterprise, University of Huddersfield:

"According to the CBI, enterprise and entrepreneurship are seen as key employability skills (p8 of http://www.cbi.org.uk/media/1121435/cbi_uuk_future_fit.pdf). They mention “an ability to demonstrate an innovative approach, creativity, collaboration and risk taking” and state “an individual with these attributes can make a huge difference to any business.”"