4 Reasons Why Being a Student Entrepreneur Rocks
These days it’s all about being your own boss. 9-5 oriented job positions certainly continue to be in demand across all industries but entrepreneurs have a niche all their own. The appeal of being self employed is so great that there are even Entrepreneur degree programs available.
Being in college might seem like a conflict of interest for student entrepreneurs that want to get their businesses off the ground but the two actually have the ability to go hand-in-hand. Below are just four of the many reasons why assuming the role of a student entrepreneur during the college years is an ideal situation to be in:
No Strings Attached
In most cases, the average college student doesn’t have a family and household to support. Bills and expenses are at a minimum as well. This means the opportunity to be selfish. As silly as that sounds, having no strings attached leaves student entrepreneurs with plenty of control over their time, schedule and priorities. Of course the studies should come first but aside from college related duties, self starters can benefit from this flexibility in lifestyle.
Get Assistance From Professionals
Many college professors are actively employed in their discipline, which gives them the ability to provide students with firsthand knowledge and insight in addition to what they teach out of the textbook. This means an excellent resource for entrepreneurs to tap into.
Those majoring in Entrepreneurship can turn to their professors’ office hours to get answers to their questions, receive guidance and even use their professors to bounce ideas off of, such as strategies for marketing campaigns, use of direct mail and ways to build a brand. Mentorship opportunities might also be available.
Networking & Student Organizations
Not only do college campuses offer free resources, it is a prime spot for networking and interacting with fellow student entrepreneurs. Student organizations are especially beneficial to participate in. Members can exchange ideas, discuss their business plans and receive assistance—as needed—on matters like using a direct mail company , getting up to speed on the latest trends in advertising, as well as share and learn about other student entrepreneur experiences.
Networking is the most effective way for any entrepreneur to spread the word about their business, products and/or services. There’s always the chance that somebody a student entrepreneur networks with—formally or informally—has family members, friends and colleagues who could turn out to be ideal customers.
Access to Free Resources
Although college obviously isn’t “free,” there are a lot of resources students have access to that are free of charge. The saying, “You have to spend money to make money” certainly holds true but in the case of student entrepreneurs, it makes sense to cut costs whenever possible.
Those majoring in an Entrepreneur degree program enjoy a definite advantage in this area. Students attending Stanford University in California have their own Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, which provides them with a score of resources including, but not limited to: workshops, special programs, seminars and networking events.