Frequently when a woman considers becoming a solopreneur she immediately says, “I need to go back to school.” Usually her career change comes as a result of a major life shift—she’s been laid off; she’s near the end of her maternity leave; or she realizes that she’ll literally go crazy if she stays in her job for another year. She’s probably shaky about her financial future and is looking to grab onto something that resembles security. When faced with the risk of starting a business for many women going back to school is a safer first step.
The real answer however to whether or not a solopreneur needs to go back to school is a firm…maybe.
If you’re interested in transitioning into a field that has state licensing requirements such as cosmetology, real estate, legal or medical then yes you need to go back to school. If you are thinking about entering a profession, which you have absolutely no experience in and that has specific practices and guidelines—for instance you were a sous chef who now wants to be an accountant then yes by all means register at your local college. However if you’re interested in becoming a solopreneur in an industry that you’ve already worked in or already have a demonstrated talent in then the answer is maybe.
Go back to school if the institutional validation actually provides you with a higher level of mastery or if clients will make having a certain piece of paper a prerequisite to working with you. Don’t go back to school because you believe that having a degree or certificate will be make you a more credible or legitimate solopreneur. You’d be better served and accrue less debt by volunteering, interning or doing an apprenticeship—or by giving away sample products or services until you develop a paying client base.
Ultimately clients want to know that the person who they hire has the necessary expertise to get the job done in a superior manner. Professional expertise is not measured in years in the field or in certificates, it’s measured in results. This expertise is gained through “doing” and is supported by satisfied customers who’ll happily give you glowing referrals. Remember degrees don’t make the solopreneur, it’s the passion that she brings to her work. The drive for excellence will translate into her continuing to learn and hone her skills throughout the span of her career.
