Entrepreneurship Skills Guide


Business Math	*Economics	Accounting
*Composition	General Business	Keyboarding
Speech	Business Law	Introduction to Word Processing

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Students in the Entrepreneurship program read general periodicals, trade journals, and newspapers, particularly in the Small Business Marketing course. Texts are a central part of most courses, with tests based on a combination of text and lecture material. Texts for typical uch as Introduction to International Business, Managing the Entrepreneurial Venture, and Financial Accounting/Computers are written at a college level. Students who transfer to four-year institutions can expect reading assignments of increasing length and complexity. In the work place, graduates of the program can expect to read trade journals in the areas of specialization connected to their small business ventures, which might range from art galleries to auto body shops. View more information on reading skills in the Entrepreneurship program. To succeed in this program, students must have good oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to work with people to reach company goals. Students may take either Composition I (ENG 105) or Communication Skills (COM 703) for the Entrepreneurship diploma. In their Small Business Start-Up course, students will interview small business leaders, write business plans, and make class presentations. For Small Business Marketing, they will create brochures, flyers, and web sites. Group projects are common in this program, particularly in Managing the Entrepreneurial Venture. Written work will include reports, research papers, and essay tests. In the work place, graduates will use speaking skills primarily on a one-to-one basis as they supervise other employees, interact with peers, and make presentations to investors, bankers, and customers. Business writing such as letters, memos, and advertisements can also be expected in the work place. View more information on language skills in the Entrepreneurship program. Successful small business owners must understand balance sheets and income statements. For the Entrepreneurship diploma, students must take Business Math (BUS 112), Computer Accounting (ACC 311), and either Principles of Accounting I (ACC 131) or Introduction to Accounting (ACC 111). These courses require strong general math skills, including fractions, decimals, and per cents. Students working toward a bachelor’s degree should check with the 4-year institution regarding additional math requirements before selecting math courses at DMACC. View more information on math skills in the Entrepreneurship program. Strong study skills are expected of students in this program. Most lecture courses require a minimum of two hours of study for each hour spent in class; many science and math classes take three to four hours of study. Students must take notes from both texts and lectures, integrating the information as they prepare for tests. Several of the courses required in this program—Computer Accounting, Managing the Entrepreneurial Venture, Basic Law for the Entrepreneur—require strong reasoning skills. Students and graduates must be able not only to memorize facts but also to apply general principles to specific cases. Drawing inferences from trends in order to make sound business decisions, recognizing cause-effect relationships, and problem-solving in dealing with employees and clients are also important skills in this field. View more information on learning skills in the Entrepreneurship program. Students are expected to enter the program with basic computer skills, including e-mail, word processing, and a general understanding of spreadsheets. Current technology will be used in all courses. Computer Accounting and E-Commerce on the Web (BUS 150) are required courses for the Entrepreneurship diploma; option courses include Introduction to Computers (CSC 110), Introduction to Computer Business Applications (BCA 212), and Virtual Business Firm (BUS 240). Computer-related activities on the job involve internet research and marketing, word processing for written communications, and spreadsheet work connected to accounting. View more information on computer skills in the Entrepreneurship program.
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Des Moines Area Community College
2006 South Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, Iowa 50021-3993
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