This week, we give a platform to the entrepreneurial career. Mthunzi Nhlapo has been an entrepreneur for three years and still believes his career teaches him something new daily.
“I have always been driven by curiosity and a passion for finding creative solutions to real-world challenges. The entrepreneurial journey appealed to me as a space where innovation meets impact.
“My academic background in property studies and entrepreneurship, paired with my experience managing high-value projects, has deepened my commitment to creating meaningful change and delivering solutions that make a difference,” he said.
He said he loves that his job allows him to address needs by delivering effective solutions on an independent project or collaborating with teams to solve organisational inefficiencies.
“Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, innovate and contribute to something meaningful, which I find fulfilling,” he said.
What is an entrepreneur?An entrepreneur identifies a need or opportunity in a market and creates a business to address it. They are innovators, problem-solvers and risk-takers.
What does an entrepreneur do?They develop business ideas, create products or services and bring them to life to address needs like inefficiencies and challenges in an industry or society. They generally manage all aspects of business, from planning and financing to marketing and operations.
Where can I study to become an entrepreneur?Many universities and colleges offer entrepreneurship-related courses and degrees, including business schools or specialised programmes in entrepreneurship.
For example, in SA, institutions like the University of Pretoria and Unisa provide good options. Internationally, Durham University and Stanford University offer world-renowned programmes. Online learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera are also options.
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I pursued a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Property Studies (which includes entrepreneurship as a module) at the University of the Witwatersrand, supported by a bursary, and later completed my Master of Science in Entrepreneurship at the University College London, made possible by the Chevening Scholarship.
How long does it take to become an entrepreneur?Entrepreneurship can be pursued at your own pace, allowing flexibility based on your goals. Formal programmes, such as degrees or diplomas, typically take one to four years, depending on the level of study. For instance, my Bachelor of Science with Honours in Property Studies took four years to complete, while my Master of Science in Entrepreneurship took one year.
Which high school subjects do I need?Subjects like business studies, economics, accounting, pure mathematics and computer science (or information technology) provide a strong foundation for entrepreneurship. Your choice of subjects might also depend on the industry you aim to innovate in.
For example, life sciences could be beneficial if you aspire to work in healthcare or biotechnology. A subject like physical sciences could be valuable if you are interested in science or technology-based industries.
What are the roles and responsibilities of an entrepreneur?• Overseeing the overall operations of their business;• Making strategic decisions;• Managing finances;• Leading teams and ensuring their product or service meets customer needs.
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Are there different types of entrepreneurs?Absolutely. They include:• social entrepreneurs focus on solving social or environmental issues;• innovative entrepreneurs create new products or technologies;• small business entrepreneurs run traditional businesses like shops or restaurants;• scalable start-up entrepreneurs aim to grow their businesses rapidly.
How is entrepreneurship connected to economic development?Entrepreneurs drive innovation, create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Their businesses contribute to local and global economies by introducing new products, services and opportunities.
Why is entrepreneurship important in our economy?Entrepreneurship fosters innovation, builds wealth and reduces unemployment, helping communities thrive by addressing needs and creating opportunities.
What are the pros and cons of the job?Advantages include the ability to make a positive impact, creative freedom, financial potential and independence.The disadvantages are financial risk, long working hours, uncertainty and stress.
What skills does this career require?Key skills include problem-solving, creativity, leadership, financial management, resilience, adaptability and effective communication.
What advice would you give to someone who aspires to become an entrepreneur?Start small and focus on building something that genuinely addresses people’s needs or wants. Keep learning, embrace failure as a valuable part of growth, and surround yourself with mentors or a community of like-minded individuals who can support and inspire you.
It is worth noting that while a formal qualification is not a requirement to become an entrepreneur, it can provide useful tools, frameworks and strategies for identifying opportunities or minimising setbacks.
Many successful entrepreneurs have thrived without formal training, relying instead on their ability to take risks, innovate and grow through hands-on experience. Both paths can lead to success. It ultimately comes down to your determination, willingness to learn, belief in your vision and readiness to take calculated risks.
Where do entrepreneurs work?Entrepreneurs can work anywhere – in their own companies or organisations (called intrapreneurs). For location, some have offices, others work remotely or in co-working spaces, and many start from home.
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