Page 74 - guidance-supporting-europe-s-aspiring-entrepreneurs-policy-and-practice-to-harness-future-potential

Guidance supporting Europe’s aspiring entrepreneurs
Policy and practice to harness future potential

The Welsh example demonstrates that there are many entrepreneurs willing
to spend time talking about their experiences and motivations, and explain how
students could achieve entrepreneurial goals. A survey among the role model
entrepreneurs shows that more than two-thirds (65%) of entrepreneurs get
involved because they ‘feel good about giving something back’. Around a fifth of
entrepreneurs (21%) do so because they feel that it is good to be part of a
network with a common goal and meet other entrepreneurs. The remaining
entrepreneurs get involved because it gives them a chance to reflect on what
they have achieved (8%) or because they get paid to do so (6%) (Arad
Consulting, 2007). This means that few entrepreneurs are driven by financial
goals; most do it to help others or to network with others. Some role models
choose not to accept the payment offered, preferring to provide their services for
free, even though they are entitled to the payment.
The experience from Wales also demonstrates that the role model
approaches need to be tailored to each age group. Older students, such as those
in upper secondary level and higher education, have a tendency to ask more
questions, especially those relating to the actual business and experiences of
being an entrepreneur. In principal this means that older students need more
time with the entrepreneur.
Some role models have emphasised the particular sense of reward they
have gained from working with academically lower attaining groups of students.
They have reported that groups of students who may have difficulties in more
traditional subjects tend to respond very positively to the presentations of
entrepreneurs and their journeys.
Another rare example of a national approach to career guidance, which
seeks to involve entrepreneurs as role models, can be found in France. The
French chambers of commerce and industry (CCIs) have been organising
guidance nights (Nuits de l’Orientation) since 2007 (see Example 3). The goal of
guidance nights is to move away from the traditional qualification-centred
approach, to one, which focuses on actual occupations and young people’s
interests instead. The guidance nights evenings are hosted at the weekends for
school pupils and students and also their parents. The primary objective is to
inform them about of existing occupations and career opportunities, using a
variety of media and tools such as round tables, thematic workshops, spaces
dedicated to individual counselling, interactive tests, and ‘trade dating’
opportunities with entrepreneurs and company managers. Entrepreneurship is
highlighted as one career opportunity, especially through the involvement of
entrepreneurs and business professionals in the events. The approach is also

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