To be fair:
The era in which you would have to wait until graduation to ‘start
living’ is in the rearview mirror.
Some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs started
their businesses in the middle of juggling lectures, assignments, and final
exams. And guess what? You can too.
Whether you are a recent undergraduate or are nearing completion of your
master’s program, this is the perfect window to transform your ideas into a business.
In this very guide, we’ll show you the practical steps enough to help
you go from a dreamer in the class to a campus CEO—before you even throw your
graduation cap in the air.
1. Change Your Approach: Begin To Consider Yourself A Creator, Not Just A
Consumer
Most students fall into the trap of consuming endless information
without any practical use.
In order to start a business, you have to shift from ‘learning mode’ to
‘doing mode’.
Begin to reflect on these questions and answer them:
- What are my skills?
- What problems can I solve given my capabilities and environment?
- What are my fellow students willing to pay for that interests them?
When you picture yourself as someone who has the ability to create, opportunities will start surfacing right in front of you.
2. Identify An Easy Yet Noticeable Problem
You don’t need to come up with an idea that could turn you into a
millionaire overnight; all you need to do is come up with a problem that needs
a solution, not too complicated.
Some of the businesses that students can operate profitably are:
• Tutoring Services for
students (assisting with exams or projects)
• Freelance Writer or
designer (ever-expanding market)
• Planning events (from
kids’ birthdays to departmental dinners)
• Food delivery within
campus (students are avid for ease)
• Spring cleaning or running errands (time saved for other means a fee)
Pro Tip:
Begin with validating your concept with customers, 5-10 of them at most, not your friends as “helpful” as they may be.
3. Use Your Resources (Don't Wait for “Perfect”)
The overwhelming majority of students think, “I will start once I have ample time, money, a first-class office, and everything else in the
world.”
Spoiler alert: that is not going to happen.
Push yourself to achieve with the resources you have at hand.
• A laptop or phone: You
can handle marketing, communication, well as customer service with them.
• Social Media: That's
right! You can promote your business for free. Step outside your comfort zone
and create a simple page/account for your venture.
• Campus Network: You go to class with these peers. Not only can they serve as initial
customers, but they will also promote your service or products through
word-of-mouth.
Launch messy, and improve as you grow - that’s where perfectionism gets
in the way of progress.
4. Learn Basic Business Skills Along the Way
It doesn't take an MBA for a small business on campus.
What you do need, however, are these basic skills:
• Setting Prices (Cost +
profit)
• Managing simple
finances (Tracking income and outcome)
• Marketing (Clearly
stating what products or services you offer)
• Providing excellent
service (Good marketing is being the best, most cheerful client)
YouTube, Coursera, and blogs (such as Daily Spectrum 😉) contain countless resources
that serve as free guides to aid you.
5. Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions
What is the number one secret to achieving enduring success?
Networking is worth far more than gold.
While still in a school institution, try to connect with
• Your co-student entrepreneurs
• Your Lecturers and Heads of Departments
• Mentors who are alumni
• Local businesses you can collaboratively work with
Businesses today require confidence, not transactions.
6. Manage Your Time Like a Boss
Juggling between class and your new side hustle isn’t simple, but there
is a solution.
Stay balanced with these tips.
• Do not hold back on your priorities: be sure to complete the most
crucial tasks first.
• Set goals, mark calendars: mark time for studies, work, and leisure.
• Automate and delegate: Use tech tools like Canva to create graphics or
WhatsApp Business for customer communication.
Keep in mind: do not equate being busy and being productive to mean the
same. Simply, work smart.
Final Thoughts: Your Degree Is Powerful — But So Is Your Hustle
We all know it’s a big flex to add a degree to your name, but having a
business alongside it takes it to another level.
Instead of simply receiving a degree, you become more competent, gain wealth, and invert your perception towards life.
The desired future isn’t far-fetched nor hard to obtain, and it’s already
waiting for you.
Do you have a business idea in mind already?
It looks like you're all set to start working. Let's brainstorm in the
comments and work out the kinks together.
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