Technology is changing the entrepreneurial landscape

Technology Is Changing the Entrepreneurial Landscape in Your Favor

Let’s be honest, today’s job market sucks. It’s especially bad for all the millennials out there. While 2014 did see an increase in overall jobs, hardly any of those went to people between the ages of 18 and 29.

“Some 40% of unemployed workers are millennials, according to an analysis of U.S. Census data by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce released to MarketWatch, greater than Generation X (37%) and baby boomers (23%).” – Quentin Fottrell, Marketwatch.com

That’s some pretty grim news. Here’s some more:

“Young people must either accumulate additional debt while working unpaid internships or look toward minimum wage positions, which are becoming more the norm, and less the teenage avocation to score some extra cash. According to the Economic Policy Institute, 88% of workers making the minimum wage are 20 years old or more, and about 4 in 10 are college graduates or have some level of college education. ” – Matthew Segal, CNN.com

Thanks Geek Insider, Now I Feel Miserable!

Calm down, I swear I have good news too. Take a break and look at this kitten.

Cute kitten for millennials who can't find jobs to look at

Okay, moving on. There may be a way for Geek Insider millennial readers to survive this nasty reality. The tech industry wants you! Yes, the tech industry is desperate for people with technology knowledge. One man decided to conduct an experiment: Ivan Kirigin posted on Secret (an app that let’s you post anonymous secrets for your friends to read) that he was an iOS engineer and designer looking to leave his start-up company. In no time at all, a half dozen people posted contact info just to get in touch with him.

Technology is changing the entrepreneurial landscape

This Doesn’t Apply To Me!

Of course, not everyone reading this article is a qualified iOS engineer but that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own start-up! Forbes reports that the need for tech-savvy individuals is growing:

“The skills most in demand: Software development. Wanted Analytics, which aggregates job listings from all over the Web, reports that help-wanted ads for software developers are up 120% over last year, and Borre is seeing the same trend. ‘Development, whether mobile or web or back-end support, is where the driving need is now,’ [Rona Borre, CEO of Chicago-based tech recruiters Instant Technology] says.” – Forbes.com

Forbes goes on to say: “But beyond your knowledge of specific tools and programs, Borre has three suggestions for you about how to launch a career in information technology. First, she says, ‘Accessibility of information is more important than ever, so be ready to show a prospective employer a project you created or completed’ — whether it’s that software program you developed as an intern or a computer game or mobile app you created at school. ‘If you can bring examples of your work, companies will have a job for you.’”

So, the classes you take at college or university are going to be key. You’ll need to stay up-to-date with the newest technologies and take advantage of any internships you can so you can get that experience to stay on top.

But to be really successful, you’ll also need to consider being your own boss. Look at Ivan Kirigin from the example above. He started his own company and designed his own app. Experience with start-ups could be what makes you really appealing to employers. That means diving into the world of tech entrepreneurship.

Take charge and form your own little company, designing apps and creating programs. You’d be amazed at how successful you could be. Even if you don’t want to do it long-term, chances are the business connections you make and the portfolio you build up will land you an awesome job with another company.

I Don’t Know Where To Start!!

Hey, calm down already! Geek Insider is here to help. There are lot’s of programs and institutions out there that offer workspaces, networking events, workshops, and classes for reasonable prices. These types of institutions are great for meeting business connections, as well as people who you could possible start a business with. The seminars, conferences, and classes will let you get that insider knowledge you need to succeed.

I said there are lot’s of programs and institutions out there but only one that is currently offering a month free. The Made in NY Media Center by IFP is a multi-disciplinary creative space with over 20,000 square feet and it is offering a free month for members who join by January 31st, 2015. Just enter this code: MC2015. You can do it here.  Not only does the Media Center offer dedicated desk space, but also business development, mentorship, networking, and opportunities to network with other entrepreneurs, technologists, aspiring storytellers, and innovative visionaries.

Today’s job market is a bleak environment for anyone between 18 and 29 years of age, but it is also the time young people can take advantage of what the tech world has changed in the entrepreneurial landscape. You don’t have to have a boss, you don’t have to work in an office. Tons of people are starting out on their own and becoming successful by taking charge of their futures and diving into the tech world.

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