The spread of the coronavirus has drastically altered the job market for recent college graduates. Unemployment remains above 10 percent and more layoffs from major companies are expected in the months ahead. For the entrepreneurial-minded, the rise in the gig economy does offer opportunities.
Here are five business ideas that will put your smarts and skills to use and bring in some income during these challenging times
Business Consultant
Have you ever worked with a sales team? Do you know how to streamline the sales process with smart software integrations? Have you ever used a CPQ tool?
ConfigureOne, a leader in what is known as CPQ (configure, price and quote) solutions that focus on the needs of manufacturers, has developed the kind of software that businesses are looking for as they work to become more efficient and improve the bottom line. By leveraging a CPQ tool or product configurator, you can help businesses price quotes and boost sales rep morale. A knowledge of CPQ software and the role artificial intelligence is likely to play in the work world of the future should keep your skills in demand.
Accounting
Many businesses are looking to add automation and additional functions to their cash process and sales cycle. Especially when a small business is creating a sales quote or invoice, the less time needed to spend on approvals and payments, the better. Freelance accounting can be a lucrative career, whether you’re helping a small business or a corporate entity. If you have a head for numbers, are familiar with analytics and accounting tools like a check mailing service, and know your way around common business processes, this could be a perfect fit for you.
Teaching a Language
English speaking and writing skills are always in demand. It is the common language of many business communication throughout the world. Opportunities to teach English online, in the classroom, or at a tutoring center are plentiful.
Sometimes you just need an undergraduate degree to get started teaching. The best solution, however, is if you have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) credential. This can give you full control over some of your teaching methods.
Plenty of other languages are in-demand as well, including Spanish and Chinese. Beyond work in the business markets, you could find employment as a translator.
Marketing Analyst
Now, more than ever, business operations are looking for a new proposal solution to help acquire traffic and keep the sales pipeline moving. If you’re good at monitoring sales channels, enhancing the buying experience, and gaining insight into the behaviors of buyers through spreadsheets and analytics, you may have potential customers in marketing. You’ll need to learn about creating professional quotes and streamlining some manual processes, but it’s worth it. If you can set up a CRM or other sales tool to create a faster sales cycle and provide your clients with added peace of mind, that’s a bonus.
Delivery Drivers
You know the people delivering food, medicine during the lockdown were in great demand. They certainly will still be in many parts of the world.
If your immediate thought is that you have your university degree and were looking for a job that puts you on the career ladder of your dreams, that is understandable. Then consider the short-term benefits of setting up your own delivery business — cash in your hand and flexible hours. With those, you can spend more time researching other job opportunities or applying to graduate school.
In the age of a pandemic, with the traditional job market tight, be flexible and creative in thinking about your first post-college job. Whether you are more an accountant, a writer, or a fitness guru, you have the ability to create a job that works for you and brings in money too.
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