Hello! My name is Catherine O’Donnell, and I am the Education Research Intern here at Outgrow Your Garage. I am 18 and have just graduated high school. This month, I’ll be writing all four blogs as a Young Entrepreneur series! In addition to OYG, I also work on AdvancEducation, which is a project to develop and provide advanced science coursework for rural, under-funded high schools that offer few or no advanced classes. The first step in developing this is to create a course. I have started creating an advanced biology course as I enjoy and understand biology.
Waiting Period
Since I first started AdvancEducation, I have spent a lot of time waiting to be able to create course content. I had to wait because the first step was to create sample content and I did not have a set-up to do so yet. I wanted to continue working on the curriculum, but first I wanted to see a full unit to determine whether my plan was working. Another factor is certainly also that I am in high school, so I have a busy and sometimes overwhelming schedule. But that is the topic for next week.
In the meantime, I wanted to learn about relevant business topics. Specifically, about how business works and about education. I have done that through this internship at Outgrow Your Garage and through research.
Research Rabbithole
One thing that has been helpful, although counterintuitive, is indulging in that research rabbithole. It takes a lot of time, but is helpful. One of the hardest things is that I don’t know what I don’t know. As I begin researching one thing, another topic comes up, then another, and another. I end up finding answers to questions I didn’t even know I should be asking. I know that isn’t helpful to everyone, but it is to me as a young entrepreneur.
Finding a Mentor
What has been the most helpful, especially in the business side, is getting in front of the right person and just asking them questions. Jessi has been able to answer a lot of my questions and has been extremely helpful.
How can you begin this learning process? By finding the right person. It was luck for me, but it doesn’t have to be for you. Seeking out groups in your industry can be an effective way to get in front of someone who may be years ahead of you. Once you find this person, we can head back to last week’s blog. Have confidence in yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Hopefully, by the time you get past that waiting period, you’ll have enough information and knowledge to dive into your business.
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