Why College is the BEST TIME to Get Involved in Startups!
Karolina Coss
HIRING Engineering Professionals - message me if you're open to new opportunities
I heard so many times: 'One day I want to have my own company'... But insted, everyone applies for internships and jobs at corporations or banks. And we all know it's hard to leave perks, bonuses and job security at big companies, so there's a big chance that you'll actually never do it (sorry to say that).. There will always be something on the way. Want to have a company? DO IT NOW. Honestly, I ask you to do it, NOTHING can beat having your own little venture :)
College is the time when students start to learn more about themselves, discover new passions, and find a path that will lead them to a career. Getting involved with startups while in school can be very valuable both for work experience and for meeting other like-minded, young individuals. When you’re in college, you’re usually not looking to make a full-time income, so you can put more energy into a startup. If you're not ready to build your own startup, find a startup that you believe in or are passionate about. A lot of startups take off really fast, and are quick to getting investors involved too. If you come onboard at the very beginning, your career can skyrocket very quickly, depending on how fast the startup takes off.
Here’s why college is the best time to get involved in startups and what you should do to make the most of it:
1. Utilize The People Around You
You are surrounded by professors, academics, and other students who can all teach you something. If you’re trying to start your own business, talk to a professor. It’s like getting a free business lesson or free advice. Utilize all of your resources. In college, you really have a ton! And the best thing - they all WANT to help you!
2. Join Student Clubs or Organizations
There are so many opportunities to get involved. Clubs and organizations are a great way to meet people, network, gain new skills, and learn more about how you can achieve your goals. Maybe your school has a “Young Entrepreneurs” club? Join a group that interests you, but will also give you valuable lessons that you can use in the future.
3. Attend Events and Conferences
There are always interesting events happening at universities. A lot of the time, these events are free for students. Even if they aren’t free, you can probably get a student discount. Attend events and conferences to learn more about how to create a startup or how to start a business. Any of these events could really teach you a thing or two!
4. Get Equipped with .edu
With your .edu email address, you’ll be able to get discounts on a lot of software and other tech gadgets. Some may even be free! You’ll need this software when your startup takes off! Hurry up - once you're .edu expires, you won't get any of that!
5. Build a Team
Find some like-minded students around your school who are interested in your idea. You can meet people by joining clubs, starting your own club, or even online through Facebook groups. The easiest way to build a quick team for your startup is through your university!
6. Investors Scouting Startups at Universities
Investors are always looking for a cool startup that they know is going to make it big! If you are able to, try to participate in accelerators, incubators, and other startup contests so that you can get the investor’s attention!
7. You’re Young
You’re young and still a student, so take advantage of that! People, especially your professors, want to help you succeed. Use your time in college to learn as much as you can and make as many connections as you can. People treat you differently as a student than they would if you were just a regular businessman trying to make money. Your university wants to see you thrive. Use all the resources they provide!
8. Less Responsibilities
Again, you're young so you have much less responsibilities. You probably don't have to think of supporting your family, paying all the bills, or making ends meet - your parents and others will help you. YOU CAN TAKE RISKS! In worst case, you'll loose your time, money and effort, but it won't affect other people as largerly as if you had kids and a spouse. It's much better to try and fail, than not try at all. Corporations, banks or consulting agencies will have open positions next year too. They will wait for you. But next year, you might have many more responsibilities and might not be able to get involved in a startup (startups = risks). So do it NOW. Opportunities come an go, and there are especially many for students!
9. Get Your Foot in the Door
As a student, you can start off as a College Representative for your school, or work as an intern in whatever part of the startup interests you. This way, even if you decide not to continue with the startup after college, you are still getting useful life and work experience that will help you with any future career. In addition, you will also be meeting new people and making connections. You never know when you’ll need to utilize that connection you made with that guy from the first startup you worked for.
YOU WILL NOT HAVE THESE MANY OPPORTUNITIES WHEN YOU LEAVE SCHOOL! So hurry up and find a startup to work for. Or even better - found your own!
I founded Spontime as a college student, and, honestly, it was the best decision of my life. I would have never made if without the support of my schools: Warsaw School of Economics, National University of Singapore and Pepperdine University, and the fellow students!
Very excited to officially annouce the upcoming release of Spontime! You'll be able to get it on the App Store and Google Play Store this January! Check our Facebook page for the newest updates!
Strategic and Digital Communications, National University of Singapore
7 年There are so many important learning points in your well-written article, Karolina Demianczuk. Wishing you and the Spontime team the very best for 2017!
Operations | Startup, Bankings and NGO | Schwarzman Scholar | Atlas Corp Scholar | GCM Alumn
7 年Amazing Karolina !!! ??????
International Business Director @ Kysar Seeds International, India Building Smallholder Farmers Favorite Seed Brand ??
7 年College ?? is the best place to start... it's a place full of ideas,joy,excitement and that's where most of the fortune companies took birth... A very good article Karolina Demianczuk