Starting a business is an attractive option for many people alternative to everyday work as an employee. However, the question often arises: Can I become self-employed without training in my preferred job profile?
In principle, anyone who wishes to become self-employed can become self-employed. However, there are some industries or fields of activity requirements of training, qualifications or professional experience. For some other start-ups, on the other hand, there are no clearly defined requirements.
So at the beginning of the considerations one should detailed research whether and which requirements are needed to start a company in the target industry. If there are no government or other requirements, for example the chambers, the answer is: Yes, I can become self-employed without training.
However, the fact that there are no entry restrictions for a certain professional field does not mean that self-employment in this sector should be taken lightly. Because of or despite the low barriers to entry, the step into self-employment must be carefully considered and planned. Since industry knowledge and previous experience are required in addition to classic entrepreneurial skills, the founder should prepare well.
Becoming self-employed without training – first steps
Even if no training or previous knowledge is required in an industry or a specific professional field, the founder is faced with a mountain of new tasks. On the one hand he has to acquire business knowledge in order to be able to manage the company, on the other hand he has to build up and master special knowledge and requirements of the new professional field. In order to cover both areas equally, the founder has various options to prepare the project and then successfully establish it on the market. Founders can take the following measures to prepare for self-employment without training:
- Support from start-up consultants
- Cooperation with coaches
- training courses by educational institutions
- Further training and qualification measures from industry associations
- Start-up seminars of the IHK or HWK
- Internships
Support from start-up consultants
The support provided by start-up consultants is a very important building block for people who want to become self-employed without training. Start-up consultants can provide support throughout the planning phase, the formal start-up and the development of the company and point out pitfalls or other challenges at an early stage. In addition, if capital acquisition is necessary, you can contribute know-how and, if necessary, contacts to investors and use them for the founder. The experience of a long-standing start-up consultant is extremely valuable, especially when it comes to preparing a detailed business plan including a financial plan. It makes sense to consult business start-up advice before starting a business.
Cooperation with coaches
Another way to compensate for a lack of training in a specific professional field is to work with a coach from the industry. Many long-standing entrepreneurs offer their knowledge and experience as a coach or mentor for potential founders or those who are already self-employed. In addition to specific industry knowledge, the coachees can also benefit from business management know-how and continue to deepen their own knowledge through support over a longer period of time.
Tip: Depending on your personal status, you can apply for funding for start-up coaching and business start-up advice. You can use our funding check to find out which ones are possible. Unemployed people can B. apply for the activation and placement voucher (AVGS).
Training and further education
Professional training in the specific field of activity should not be neglected. Various training and further education offers from educational institutions, industry associations or other certified providers can represent a further fixed component of the preparation for a start-up. In addition to the acquisition of more in-depth skills for the envisaged occupational field, the qualifications and certificates acquired can create trust among potential customers in the future and thus have a decisive influence on the success of the company.
Start-up seminars of the IHK or Chamber of Crafts
With the multitude of possibilities, the founder must carefully weigh up which support offer makes sense at what time. For example, it can be very useful to attend a start-up seminar at the responsible chamber early on to get an initial overview. In these seminars, the potential founder of a business will be given basic knowledge of business processes, tax and social security issues as well as the processes of formally legal founding, including the choice of legal form. The founder can then use this information to further plan his start-up project or to create a business plan and financial planning to evaluate the project.
Internships within the industry
In order to gain insights into the daily processes and special challenges of certain industries, internships in the field of future self-employment offer the opportunity to gain experience over a longer period of time and to let your own start-up project mature. The company founder can better develop his own business model from the experience gained and also better differentiate himself from the competition. He also gains an insight into pricing, procurement channels, marketing % sales or even personnel issues within the industry.
So it is quite possible to become self-employed without training. However, it is important to take enough time to make all the necessary preparations. The founder faces the challenge of having to build up specific knowledge for the industry as well as business know-how. With the right strategy and external support, however, nothing stands in the way of a successful start-up.