Becoming a contractor

[S Freud]

So on a side not of This Thread my girlfriend had suggested that I look into becoming a contractor, but get a degree to help with that.


I was just wondering if anyone knows more information about this. My googling skills aren't the best but from what I did read you don't need any sort of degree to become a contractor, you just need to be licensed.

I would like to get a degree related to contracting(if this is something I decide to stick with) to help boost my employability and to have something to fall back on.

I have heard such things as civil and constructional engineering, but if anyone could help shed some light on this it would be great.

Thanks

EDIT:
Sorry, I don't think I am wording my post right.

A little about myself:

I am 19(20 in two months)

I love the idea of owning my own business

I am currently minoring in business entrepreneurship

The sort of contracting I am asking about is where someone(either a third party or you) higher a guy to come out and do some constructional work. Either for a business or home.

I think that might make more sense, I am basically looking at what degree's would set me above just a general contractor.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

My guess is that if you want to be a contract engineer... you'd need a degree in engineering.

 

[S Freud]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy
My guess is that if you want to be a contract engineer... you'd need a degree in engineering.

Sorry, I don't think I am wording my post right.

A little about myself:

I am 19(20 in two months)

I love the idea of owning my own business

I am currently minoring in business entrepreneurship

The sort of contracting I am asking about is where someone(either a third party or you) higher a guy to come out and do some constructional work. Either for a business or home.

I think that might make more sense, I am basically looking at what degree's would set me above just a general contractor.

 

[Mermaidman]

What kind of contractor?? Like in construction?

 

[S Freud]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
What kind of contractor?? Like in construction?

yeah, are there other types?


My family once had a guy come out and do some structural work on our house through our insurance company.

I believe thats called a contractor...thats what he kept referring to himself as. He owned his own business.

 

[BigJ]

Good luck getting started being wet behind the ears. The people that normally do start their own business normally have decades of experience, receiving promotions through the years and gaining important practical knowledge in the process. Your best bet would be to see if a local contractor needs anyone, or going into one of the trades and being an apprentice.

 

[JS80]

go to home depot and be a day laborer to learn the biz

you might learn some spanish too

 

[S Freud]

Originally posted by: BigJ
Good luck getting started being wet behind the ears. The people that normally do start their own business normally have decades of experience, receiving promotions through the years and gaining important practical knowledge in the process. Your best bet would be to see if a local contractor needs anyone, or going into one of the trades and being an apprentice.

Oh yeah, I wasn't planning on starting my own contracting business right away. I would rather work under someone for a while and learn the tricks of the trade.

I am asking more of what kind of degree I should get to fall back on and still relate and help my in contracting.

 

[mrkun]

Originally posted by: S Freud

Originally posted by: BigJ
Good luck getting started being wet behind the ears. The people that normally do start their own business normally have decades of experience, receiving promotions through the years and gaining important practical knowledge in the process. Your best bet would be to see if a local contractor needs anyone, or going into one of the trades and being an apprentice.

Oh yeah, I wasn't planning on starting my own contracting business right away. I would rather work under someone for a while and learn the tricks of the trade.

I am asking more of what kind of degree I should get to fall back on and still relate and help my in contracting.

There are tons of different types of contractors, although there is a general building contractor, which is what most people think of. I suggest you read this page.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

First, pick what kind of contracting you want to do and narrow it down as much as possible. There are tons of types of contracting, even outside of construction.

Let's say you go with handyman contracting for your average homeowner in the area you live in. Find people you've worked with, are recommended, etc. and compile a list of these guys. Figure out what you will pay them, the agreements, etc.

After that, start spreading the word - keep tons of business cards on hand, give them out to family members and friends, maybe post up flyers, ads in the newspaper, etc., do whatever it takes to bring in business. If someone is recommended by someone else, send a $20 gift card to whoever recommended them. Once you get even a little bit of business, use that to your advantage and make sure they have the incentive to refer others.

I'm not entirely sure about what majors or something you should look into, but chances are that you can find books on this topic and go from there. They're written by people who have more experience than you and I, and will show you how to overcome the obstacles that most people will point out - this is the difference between an entrepreneur and a normal person. Most people will tell you that a certain business won't work, an entrepreneur knows they can all work, it's just deciding which will work best.

I'd grab a few books, look at sample business plans, etc. and *try* some things. You will make mistakes, but in the end, even if it takes 2-3 years, you'll have a good idea of what to do.

Before I started my business, I went around to some shops and businesses trying to sell some services, but it didn't go anywhere. That is what made me realize that I need to look at it from an entirely different angle. None of this is easy and takes time, getting a business off the ground can take years, but it's worth it.