“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into smaller manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” -Mark Twain
Upon transferring into a major university, I spent some time observing and learning from entrepreneurs who emphasize the importance of “starting early”. As a business major, I’ve learned that lectures and exams could only benefit your future career to a certain extent. So HOW exactly do you take on your own venture in college and WHY will it be beneficial upon graduating?
How?
The first step is to find your passion and uncover what field you’re truly talented in, or at least willing to develop knowledge in. Which means to not fall into a certain field just because you see others becoming insanely successful due to it. For instance, though anything to do with engineering is an extremely profitable industry, it personally is not something that I enjoy doing and isn’t something I would pursue for the sake of making money. Your passion could quite literally be anything, even if you think you can’t make a business out of it – think again. When in doubt just think of all the ways people make money that you never thought was possible. Like turning a passion for makeup into a successful YouTube channel that generates millions, or creating a sensational toy that went viral like a fidget spinner.
Bottom line is: uncover your passion and pursue it. Learn how to promote your product, or yourself, how to grow your idea, how to handle expenses and revenues, and most importantly, how to actually enjoy your work. Dedicate the time needed in order for your business to succeed and do your research. Which yes, means skipping out on parties and having minimal free time, but the results will be your proof that it is absolutely worth it. Invest in yourself and in your future in order to live the life you aspire to.
Why?
Gaining Experience
Few things are more powerful than learning from your own personal failures and successes. Starting your own business, whether it be selling baked goods throughout your dorm, selling clothes online, or creating a YouTube channel, are all extremely powerful learning opportunities that will benefit you in every career path. It will show you that amount of work and dedication that is needed to become successful and build up the strong work ethic needed to be successful in any field of work. Doing so in college will also help align your priorities and help you learn how to develop an effective work, life, and school balance.
University Network and Resources
One of the most overlooked tools in business development for students is the wide network of resources that most universities offer. From campus organizations, to a strong alumni network to professors and faculty, there is always someone or something that could help your idea flourish. Take advantage of the career center, mentors, speaking to professors, fellow peers, and learning from alumni who have pursued and succeeded with their own business. As long as your inquiry for help comes from a genuinely curious and eager learning standpoint, someone will help guide you in the proper direction. Being in school truly does grant you with resources that you will not have strong direct access to upon graduating, so make the most out of your undergraduate years.
Competition Entering The Corporate World
Whether or not owning your own business is something you see being your ultimate career, having any type of experience with starting your own venture will benefit you. When the time comes to apply for your first “real” job after graduating, you want to be able to stand out. Employers scan through sometimes hundreds of resumes for the same position, so you want to make a lasting impression. There’s nothing that shows more initiative than starting your own business or project while being a student, being involved on campus, and perhaps also juggling a part time job. This will let employers know that you’re determined to succeed and have a visionary mindset. Above all, it will give you the upper hand in a pile of almost identical resumes, and will give your interview more memorable substance that will ultimately benefit you.
Generating Income
Being able to make money off of pursing your passion is a true gift. Let your ideas or hobbies be what makes you financially successful and allows you to live comfortably. Even if your project does not generate an extraordinary amount of profit, you’ll still be making money as a student, and can ultimately put that money towards future projects or investments.
