Learning Module for Entrepreneurship

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Are entrepreneurs born or made?

This question has long been debated with little agreement.

However, as cited by Longenecker, J.G., et.al. (2016), Stephen
Spinelli and Robert Adams described entrepreneurs as having and
exhibiting “desirable and acquirable attitudes and behaviors” such as commitment
and determination, leadership, opportunity obsession, risk-takers, motivation to excel,
creativity, self-reliance, and adaptability. According to (www.ideasforleaders.com),
competencies such as risk seeking, assertiveness and vision are considered typical of a
successful entrepreneur. But these are innate predispositions or aspects of
temperament; by using them as yardstick, it is wrongly concluded that only certain
types of people make good entrepreneurs or are capable of worthwhile innovations.

Is there such a thing as a ‘natural-born entrepreneur’?

Accordingly, there is not. Specific techniques and habits must be practiced and
developed by all would-be entrepreneurs. Aside from business competencies,
entrepreneurs need interpersonal and self-leadership skills too; however, these are
often overlooked. Entrepreneurial behavior‟ can be learned and developed
(www.ideasforleaders.com).

The question is not who entrepreneurs are, but what they do, and more
important than business skills can be other competencies that provide a foundation
for those business skills (www.ideasforleaders.com).

Furthermore, according to www.ideasforleaders.com, there are three levels of

competencies, which all entrepreneurs need:
1. Personal competencies – These are your abilities to ground yourself so that
you are secure and self-assured in whatever situation you may find yourself
(www.free-management-ebooks.com).
Ex. creativity, determination, integrity, self-criticism.

2. Interpersonal competencies – These are your ability to lead, influence,

communicate, supervise, negotiate, and control people at all levels. It is the
ability to get along with people and motivate people to perform jobs.
Entrepreneurs must effectively manage people (baseread.com).
Ex. communication, engagement, delegation

3. Business competencies – These are set of particular abilities and knowledge

that sets a company apart from its competitors (yourbusiness.azcentral.com). It
also refers to the key characteristics that successful entrepreneurs should have
in order to be successful (www.mustangbols.com).
Ex. business vision, financial management, networking
 Learning Module for Entrepreneurship
Core vs. Common Competencies in Entrepreneurship

Competencies in entrepreneurship play a leading role in making

entrepreneurs successful (baseread.com).

Entrepreneurial competencies facilitate opportunity recognition, help adapt

rapidly to changes, enhances business performance, strengthen the firm‟s competitive
position and stir the achievement of organizational success. It is the sum total of the
personality, skills and knowledge that the entrepreneur possesses, which are
necessary to effectively perform their functions and responsibilities (Edralin, D. M.,
2016).

Competence is an underlying personal characteristic which leads to superior

performance. It is a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and motives
(baseread.com).

Core competence is the foundation for sharpening a company's competitive

edge and it guides brand reputation, business growth, and marketing strategy
(www.thebalancesmb.com).

Common competence is one that describes the knowledge, skills and abilities
found in most or all position( www.ifpm.nifc.gov).

Examples of Core and Common Competencies in Entrepreneurship

Core Competencies Common Competencies

1. Organizing and Planning 1. Analytical and critical thinking
2. Cash flow management 2. Decision making
3. Personnel management 3. Leadership
4. Operations and distribution 4. Communication
5. Customer Relations 5. Computer Literacy
6. Bookkeeping/Accounting 6. Human Relations
7. Promotions and Advertising 7. Managing Change
8. Resources Management 8. Creative Thinking
9. Financial Management 9. Time Management
10. Information Management 10. Conflict Management

Job Opportunities for Entrepreneurship as a Career

If you‟re an aspiring entrepreneur, there are different career paths you can take
to turn your dream into a reality. Which path you choose will depend on your
experience, skills, finances, and flexibility, as well as your goals for the future (Doyle,
A., 2020).

Career opportunities you might pursue according to Michalowicz (2011) as cited

by Edralin, D. M., 2016):

Entrepreneurship Career Opportunities
for the Academic Track
• Business Consultant
• Sales
• Research and development
• Not-for-profit fundraiser
• Teacher
• Talent recruiter
• Business reporter
• New venture creation
• Career in existing entrepreneurial
ventures
Learning Module for Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship Career Opportunities
for the TECHVOC Track
Fine Arts
• Artist
• Graphic designer
• Photographer
• Art gallery manger
• Film director
Fashion Designing
• Designer wear production
• Fashion marketing, planning and
concept management
• Fashion media design management
• Fashion accessory design, quality
control, and promotion brands
• Costume designer
• Fashion consultant and personal
stylist
• Technical designer and graphic
designer
• Fashion coordinator
Sports
• Health club manager
• Strength, wellness or conditioning
coach
• Fitness program or event planning
manager
• Professional or amateur team
manager
• Sports facility manger
• Corporate fitness director
• Rehabilitation center director
• Nutrition center manager
Other TECHVOC Track
• Cook/Chef
• Automotive mechanic
• Electrician
• Technical support specialist
• Tool keeper and technician
• Network support Associate
• Mechanical technologist
 Learning Module for Entrepreneurship

Congratulations! You are almost done in this module. Please write your idea
on the situation below.

DIRECTIONS: As would-be Entrepreneur, you are tasked to write down at

least 3 career opportunities which attract you most. Indicate what
competencies you need to enhance in order to become successful in these
opportunities. Write your answer in the space provided.
______________________________________________________________________________
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E-SITES
To further explore the concept learned today; please watch the video about
“Young Entrepreneurs Success Story”. Follow the link below:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7wZogQhmFE

REFERENCES
Books

1. Edralin, D. M. (2016). Entrepreneurship. Vibal Group Inc. Quezon City

2. Longenecker, J. G. (2016). Entrepreneurship. JO-ES Publishing House, Inc.

Valenzuela City

Websites

1. Doyle, A. (2020). The Best Jobs for Aspiring Entrepreneurs. Retrieved from:
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/best-jobs-for-aspiring-entrepreneurs-
4160409

2. Shukla, A. (2009). Top 7 Personal Competencies of an Entrepreneur. Retrieved

from: https://www.paggu.com/entrepreneurship/top-7-personal-competencies-
of-an-entrepreneur/

3. Tarver, E. (2019). Interpersonal Skills. Retrieved from:

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interpersonal-skills.asp

4. Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECS). Retrieved from:

https://www.mustangbols.com/animation-2d/pecs