Homestead Careers and Pathways Newsletter

Skills for Work

You can find previous skills for work issue information in these issues:

 

THIS ISSUE

Entrepreneurship, Skills for Work-7 skills every entrepreneur needs

10 free skills that will boost your career confidence

 

Issue 5

The benefits of networking

How social media can affect your work life

The power of portfolios

Entrepreneurship, Skills for Work

7 skills every entrepreneur needs

Launching your own business might feel like navigating uncharted territory. Whether you're dreaming of launching the next viral app, opening a slime kitchen, or creating an online service, the path to entrepreneurial success isn't always obvious. The good news? While every business journey is unique, there are some core skills that could help any entrepreneur thrive, regardless of your age, industry, or location.

Think of these skills as your entrepreneurial toolkit – the fundamental abilities that will serve you whether you're 16 or 60, regardless of if you're selling handmade crafts or developing software, or if you're based in a bustling city or a small rural town.

 

Financial literacy 

Understanding money is absolutely crucial for any entrepreneur. You don't need to become a qualified accountant, but will absolutely need a strong understanding of the basics like cash flow, profit margins, and budgeting.

This means knowing the difference between revenue and profit, understanding when money comes in versus when it goes out, and being able to analyse financial statements. You'll also need to know how to price your products or services appropriately and manage all your expenses effectively.

Start by tracking your personal or household finances to build these habits. Use spreadsheets or simple apps to monitor where your money goes, and practice creating budgets. This foundation will help you feel comfortable around money issues and prove invaluable when you're managing business finances.

 

Communication skills 

As an entrepreneur, you'll need to communicate with customers, suppliers, potential investors, and team members. Strong communication isn't just about speaking clearly – it's about listening actively, writing effectively, and adapting your message for different audiences.

You might need to explain your business idea to a bank manager, respond to customer complaints via email, or present your vision to potential investors. Each situation requires a different approach, but the core skill remains the same: conveying information clearly and persuasively.

Practice by explaining your business ideas to friends and family, and pay attention to their questions. This will help you refine your message and identify areas where you need to be clearer.

 

Problem-solving abilities 

Entrepreneurship is essentially about solving problems – either your own or other people's. Every successful business addresses a need or fills a gap in the market.

Developing strong problem-solving skills means learning to break down complex challenges into manageable parts, thinking creatively about solutions, and being willing to test different approaches. You'll face unexpected obstacles regularly, from supply chain issues to technology problems and customer queries or complaints.

You can strengthen this skill by tackling problems in your daily life with a systematic approach. Define the problem clearly, brainstorm multiple solutions, evaluate the options, and implement the best one. Then reflect on what worked and what didn't, until it gets easier to find solutions without all the angst.

 

Adaptability and resilience 

The business world changes rapidly, and entrepreneurs must be ready to pivot when circumstances shift. This might mean adjusting your business model, finding new suppliers, or even completely changing direction based on market feedback.

Resilience is equally important because setbacks are inevitable. You'll face rejection, failed experiments, and unexpected challenges. The ability to bounce back, learn from failures, and keep moving forward is what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who give up.

Build resilience by viewing failures as learning opportunities rather than defeats. When something doesn't go according to plan, what's your plan B - ask yourself what you can learn from the experience and how you can apply that knowledge moving forward.

 

Digital fluency 

Regardless of your industry, it's likely you'll need more than basic digital skills to keep up with today's business environment. This doesn't mean you need to become a coding expert, but you should be comfortable using technology to run your business efficiently.

You'll likely need to manage social media accounts, use online banking and payment systems, communicate via email and video calls, and possibly maintain a website. Understanding how to use these tools effectively can give you a significant advantage.

Start by exploring free online tools and platforms. Experiment with social media management apps, learn basic website building, and familiarise yourself with online collaboration tools. The more comfortable you become with technology, the more efficiently you can run your business.

 

Time management 

As an entrepreneur, you'll wear many hats. On any given day, you might be developing products, talking to customers, managing finances, and planning marketing campaigns. Effective time management helps you balance these competing demands without burning out.

This skill involves setting priorities, creating realistic schedules, and knowing when to delegate or outsource tasks. It also means understanding your own productivity patterns and working with them rather than against them.

There are tonnes of apps and techniques that can help with time management, and you can start practising now by tracking how you currently spend your time. Then identifying areas for improvement, and learn to distinguish between urgent and important tasks, and focus your energy on activities that directly contribute to your business goals.

 

Networking and relationship building 

Building meaningful professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and support. This isn't about collecting business cards or adding connections on social media – it's about putting yourself out there and creating genuine relationships with people who can help your business grow.

Strong networking skills involve being genuinely interested in others, offering value before asking for help, and working on maintaining relationships over time. You never know when a casual conversation might lead to your next big opportunity.

You could get started by engaging with your local business community, join toastmasters or rotary clubs, sign up for relevant online groups, and attend industry events when possible. Focus on how you can help others rather than what you can get from them.

 

Building your entrepreneurial foundation 

These seven skills could form the backbone of your entrepreneurial success. You don't need to master them all before starting your business – in fact, running a business is one of the best ways to develop these abilities. Just be aware of these skills, remember to work on them and know that they'll develop over time through practice and experience. 

The key is to remain curious and committed to continuous learning. Seek out mentors, read widely, take online courses, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Every successful entrepreneur started somewhere, and with dedication and the right skills, you could build something meaningful too.

Remember, entrepreneurship isn't just about having a great idea – it's about having the skills to turn that idea into reality. By developing these fundamental abilities, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

 

10 free skills that will boost your career confidence

Imagine you're scrolling through job ads and spot the perfect role - the pay looks great, the work sounds exciting, and it matches your Cluster...but then you see this requirement: "typing 45 words per minute with 95% accuracy." Your heart sinks as you realise your typing skills probably sit around 30 words per minute on a good day.

Thankfully, this skill (along with many others) can be learned for free right now. And they're not just valuable for work - you'll use them in daily life too, whether you're writing assignments, managing your finances, or simply becoming a more capable human being.

Typing and keyboard skills 

Why it matters: So many of us work on computers now that fast, accurate typing has evolved from a specialist skill to a workplace essential. It can help you breeze through emails and reports, finish assignments faster, and communicate more efficiently online.

How to build it:

  • Use platforms like TypingClub or Keybr for 15 minutes a day
  • Transcribe your favourite song lyrics or podcast episodes
  • Copy paragraphs from books or news articles
  • Practice touch typing without looking at the keyboard
  • Type out handwritten notes to digitise them

Time management and organisation 

Why it matters: Employers love people who can juggle multiple tasks without dropping the ball. This skill separates the good employees from the great ones, and you can start practising it with your schoolwork right now.

How to build it:

  • Use free apps like Google Calendar or Todoist to plan your week
  • Explore techniques like the Pomodoro Technique
  • Track how long tasks actually take versus your estimates
  • Volunteer to coordinate school events or group projects
  • Try apps like Stay Focused or PawBlock to minimise distractions

Basic financial literacy 

Why it matters: Understanding budgets, percentages, and basic financial concepts will serve you well in almost any job, from retail to engineering. Plus, you'll make better personal financial decisions throughout your life.

How to build it:

  • Create a personal budget using a spreadsheet
  • Calculate discounts while shopping
  • Help your family compare prices at the supermarket
  • Compare phone plans or streaming services to see which is the best value
  • Take free online courses (like this one from Khan Academy)

Professional communication 

Why it matters: Knowing how to write clear, professional emails might sound simple, but you'd be surprised how many people struggle with this. Clear, respectful communication builds trust, helps resolve conflict, and allows you to share ideas effectively.

How to build it:

  • Email teachers with specific, polite questions about assignments
  • Write thank-you notes after work experience placements
  • Practice active listening during family discussions
  • Join debate clubs or public speaking groups
  • Proofread friends' university applications or resumes

Basic computer troubleshooting 

Why it matters: When the printer jams or the computer freezes, being the person who can calmly fix it makes you incredibly valuable. Knowing how to keep your own devices running well saves time and stress (and if you're working remotely, you're going to need a few basic skills).

How to build it:

  • Search error messages before asking for help
  • Learn keyboard shortcuts for common programs
  • Watch tech repair videos on YouTube
  • Offer to set up devices for family or friends
  • Regularly back up files and organise folders

Customer service mindset 

Why it matters: Whether dealing with customers or colleagues, knowing how to handle difficult situations with patience and kindness is key. It means listening carefully, having a positive attitude, and treating everyone with respect.

How to build it:

  • Volunteer at community events where you'll meet diverse people
  • Work part-time in retail or hospitality
  • Practice staying calm during disagreements
  • Read a wide variety of different perspectives and opinions
  • Mentor younger students in subjects you excel at

Attention to detail 

Why it matters: Many jobs need people who can enter information correctly, share details clearly, and remember important facts. Good attention to detail can help you spot errors and avoid costly mistakes.

How to build it:

  • Volunteer to update contact lists for sports teams or clubs
  • Transcribe handwritten notes into digital formats
  • Proofread your assignments carefully before submitting
  • Create detailed study notes from textbooks
  • Explore online data entry courses through providers like Coursera

Basic design and presentation skills 

Why it matters: Even if you're not pursuing a creative career, you'll probably still need to know how to create clear, professional-looking documents and presentations. This includes understanding layout principles, using appropriate fonts, and creating visual hierarchy.

How to build it:

  • Use Canva to start learning the basics
  • Create infographics for class presentations
  • Make social media graphics for events or causes you support
  • Learn basic photo editing with GIMP or Photopea
  • Study good design examples in magazines and websites

Research and information evaluation 

Why it matters: Whether it’s for a school project or solving a problem at work, knowing how to find reliable and accurate information is a valuable skill. You'll make better decisions based on solid evidence and avoid misinformation and scams.

How to build it:

  • Fact-check news stories using multiple sources
  • Use reputable journals for academic research projects
  • Practice summarising complex articles in simple terms
  • Learn to identify bias in different media sources
  • Use free resources like Google Fact Check Tools

Basic project management 

Clear, error-free writing shows employers you can communicate complex ideas effectively and pay attention to detail. This skill will serve you whether you're writing reports, communications, procedures, official paperwork, or even social media content for work.

How to build it:

  • Use free tools like Trello to plan group assignments
  • Break large goals into smaller, more manageable steps
  • Try to estimate realistic timelines for different types of tasks
  • Practice delegating responsibilities in team situations
  • Help with planning the next family holiday

Small efforts add up over time 

One of the best things about these skills is that they all build on each other. Strong typing skills can make your communication more efficient; good organisation helps with research projects; attention to detail can improve your customer service skills.

Start with one or two skills that interest you most, and set aside as little as 15 minutes a day to practice. By the time you finish school, you'll have a solid set of skills you can use in both work and everyday life.