Harvard's Office of Career Services

Entrepreneurship


OCS Fall 2009 Programs:

  • How to Gain a Competitive Edge in Your Job Search—Sept. 10
  • Mock Interview Marathon—Sept. 21, 22 and 23
  • Business School: Myths and Realities—Oct. 5
  • Entrepreneurship Panel—Nov. 16
For details, see the OCS Events Calendar.
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Working in these fields...

So, do you have what it takes to become the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg? According to Bill Gates, having “good advice and good ideas and lots of enthusiasm” were keys to his initial success along with having “partnerships from the very beginning.” If you’re thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, this simple quiz might help you to see if that’s the right choice for you. Some may argue that there is a difference between being an entrepreneur and a small business owner by a person’s ability and inclination to operate in all sizes and types of businesses. In either case, having a strong sense of ownership and proprietary values can be applied to any situation where you are the ultimate decision-maker operating an independent business or an "intrapreneur" running a venture within an organization. Regardless of the terminology, the decision to becoming your own boss carries some obviously inherent risks and is not to be taken lightly. So, what are the odds? According to the Small Business Administration, on average two-thirds of new employer firms survive at least two years, and about 44% survive at least four. A study commissioned by the US Small Business Administration states that "approximately seven percent of the working age population in the United States is actively engaged in efforts to start new businesses" in any given year.

Featured Tip

Joining one of the Harvard Career Clubs is a great way to learn about career fields, enhance key job skills, and develop industry contacts, For example, the Harvard College Entrepreneurship Forum (HCEF) is a student-run organization that works to help Harvard students channel their creativity towards successful enterprise. By hosting business plan and fellowship programs, as well as brainstorming and consulting sessions for students with common interests, HCEF aspires to generate the ideal environment for creative success.