Apart from having fun and making social connections, there are 2 great things you can do in college: excel academically and start your entrepreneurship journey. You can use your free time to lay a foundation for your business.
Some of the most successful entrepreneurs today started their businesses while in college. Companies such as Microsoft, Facebook, Yahoo, Reddit, Google, and WordPress were
founded by college students. This goes to show just how important college is in the entrepreneurship journey.
You may be thinking of starting a business, but how can you use your spare time in college to get started? Here are a few tips.
- Join Entrepreneurship Clubs
Universities have plenty of clubs, so you can join those that will help build your entrepreneurship skills. In the clubs, you’ll meet students with the same goals and objectives. You’ll meet a diverse population of people and expand your thinking and interests. Clubs also encourage personal development through communication and exploration of different ideas
If your school doesn’t have an entrepreneurship club,
consider starting one. You’re more likely to meet other students with brilliant ideas and learn more about running a business.
- Choose the Right Courses
According to the 2019 Self-Employment in America Report,
56% of small business owners have a college degree. But it’s not enough to get a college degree, what’s more important is choosing the right degree.
Although you don’t have to enroll in business school to become an entrepreneur, business courses teach great lessons about entrepreneurship. When choosing elective courses, include some business and marketing courses–depending on the areas you need to focus on.
- Apply for an Internship
Start preparing for entrepreneurship by applying for an internship. It can be paid or unpaid, but it will help build your business skills. If the internship is unpaid and you need money to pay for your expenses, you can
refinance title loan. Internships help develop your professional aptitude, open doors to different opportunities , and strengthen your personal character.
- Utilize School Resources
Entrepreneurship is pretty expensive, so try to save as much money as you can. Take advantage of available resources such as free Wi-Fi, copy and print services, online resources, and library materials to start laying the foundation of your business.
This is also the perfect time to carry out market research. You can discuss your business ideas with your professors or fellow students to gauge how viable they are. Ask them what they would change or do differently. The advice they give you can help you during the initial stages and even later on.
- Have a Plan
If you don’t have a great plan, you’ll find it hard to balance classwork and entrepreneurship. Once you‘ve settled on a business area, write down your long-term and short-term goals–both for school and entrepreneurship. Goals will help keep you focused.
College offers a lot of opportunities you can use to start and grow your business. Take advantage of all the resources available and set yourself up for success.
