Starting a Business in College
Starting a Business in College
Written by Anna Lempereur for Gaebler Ventures
College is one of the best and most convenient times to start a business. Here we take a look at how to start a business while in college.
Entrepreneurship is one of the hottest new majors in college.
Given the well-documented successes of several young entrepreneurs who have made millions, many students are now looking into starting their own enterprises as soon as possible.
Why wait? College is a great time to start your own business. You can study entrepreneurship and start a business at the same time.
Where Do You Start?
University resources are a good point to begin your endeavor. Oftentimes many college professors, with experience in their respective fields, will have contacts and networking capabilities to help you get started. Some institutions may even have partnerships with local businesses that offer student entrepreneurs free services. This could range from legal guidance to marketing help.
Confidence is the Key
Joel Holland, a Babson College graduate, started a business while in college. He advises that it is important to be confident in yourself in the process of getting your business started.
Holland turned down a high-paying job at an investment bank in order to continue working on his six-figure business full time after graduating college. His business, Footage Firm, provides video footage to TV shows, movies, and commercials. It serves well-known clients such as MTV and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Leverage the University's Resources
So what are you waiting for? Set up appointments with professors and advisors, and let them know what you are trying to accomplish.
Ask them if they know of any internships or jobs with startup organizations that might be available through the school so you can get a jump start on your entrepreneurial career. A quick internship with a seasoned entrepreneur can be a great prelude to opening your own business.
Professors are also usually happy to review your business plan and give you feedback. In some cases, they may even introduce you to your first customers.
Smart entrepreneurs are very aggressive in working their connections. It is important to use all the resources that are available to you while you are in school and get ahead while you can.
At the end of the day, you'll learn much more from starting a business than you will from attending your classes. But the two experiences are very synergistic.
If things go well, you'll not only get a great education but you also make some money in the process.
Anna Lempereur is a freelance writer interested in writing about small business. She is currently a Journalism major at the University of Albany in New York.
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