uni or work???

[hApPiNeSs]

i have already decided what i want to do. I worked in a tack shop and loved it, and i am determined to set up my own. Preferably specialising in NH, but anyway...

I obviously will not have the finance to do this straight out of college, so i have two options.

1. Apply to uni and do an honours degree in Equine Business Management. I would love to do this, but am scared rigid of the amount it is going to cost! Also, if i want to set up my own business, is it worth it? However, it probably gives you a beter job when you finish, so i will be able to raise the capital for the shop sooner...

2. Leave college and work. This will mean I am not £20,000 in debt, but i will probably not have as good a job and wont be able to raise the money as quickly.

I am just so confused. What would you suggest?

[eventerbabe]

Hi Happiness :)

I think a degree in equine business management might come in handy, but i don't think its essential for running a tack shop. my local shop is run by some very knowledgeable horse people with no such qualifications.

my instant reaction was to say go to uni (probably coz thats what i did :rolleyes: ) but the amount of debt some people come out with is terrifying. my friend is £16k in debt. i, luckily, came away with zero debt but it wasn't easy as i had to work part time and full time all holidays to support myself.

if you were to go out and work, what sort of job would you be going for? could you maybe do a distance learning course in equine business management aswell as work? there are so many distance courses availible, and the colleges seem so flexible.

A degree may put you above other candidates, say if you go for a job, but there are so many people coming out of university with degrees these days employers are looking back at your school record to pick their candidates. and a degree doesn't necessarily mean a better job. my OH has no qualifications, but 8 years IT experience and within 7 months in his new job is already being promoted above people with first class honours degrees in computing and maths. experience often counts for more these days :) sorry, don't think i was much help!!

[Crazyhorse]

Could you do the course part time and then work as well? Thats what I do. I work 4 days at a law firm while I am doing my law degree part time. Cursing it at the moment though as have my exams in two weeks and feel like I am drowning in it all! It is hard work combining both, but I have money and no debt :D Good luck with what you decide.

[notpoodle]

or maybe you could work in retail and do an open university course in retail management or equine business studies?

oh and once you have your shop, make sure you sell online as well, for i will want to buy things off you :D

julia
x

[Pudding]

If you really really want to have your own tack shop then you need to go to college and do a small business course, where you'll learn about tax, VAT, accounting, profit and loss, balance sheets etc etc.......you need that as no matter what you are selling in the retail business you need to know how the financial side of things is run as you'll save yourself a fortune in accountants fees and you won't get in a pickle financially........

Most banks will give a starter loan for small businesses which is cheaper than going to Uni and racking up a huge debt........you'll also learn how to put together a business plan for your venture on the course which is invaluable if you go to a bank for a starter loan......

Hope that helps a bit......