There’s a mini revolution going on in the student world. Students and business might not seem to go hand in hand, but more and more are aiming to become their own boss and create their very own businesses. Research from Santander UK has shown that 24% of students across the UK are starting businesses, and this number is increasing! University undergraduates are seeing the lure of owning their own businesses, and are setting out to get their own!
Startups for students guide
So, you’re a student, and you want to get into the entrepreneurial spirit and create your very own startup. But how do you go about it? Where do you even begin? First things first, you need to hone your business skills - this will help you to figure out where you thrive and areas you could do with some support. Remember, you don’t need to be amazing at everything, (contrary to popular opinion those people do not exist). Identifying your strengths and weaknesses will help you when it comes to hiring people to work with you.
You need to do your research - thoroughly. That doesn’t mean skim-reading a business book or Alan Sugar’s autobiography. It means doing online courses, networking with existing startup founders and ensuring you know all the ins and outs of the legal processes in business. Startups take a lot of commitment, so you’ll need to fit it neatly around your studies.
Social interaction is a key part of building a startup, but if you find it difficult to speak to others, it’s not the end of the world. It’s a skill like any other, and skills can be practiced and developed. Start by reaching out to people on the internet - seek out other young founders on LinkedIn and ask them questions about what they’re doing. Startup founders are always eager to network! Remember to always be approachable and friendly as well as professional - startup founders are human too!
Creating your startup isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be fun. Brainstorming, creative thinking and ideas generation are all part of business, but the boring stuff can be fun too! Through networking, you get to meet hundreds of new people and by researching you’re arming yourself with the knowledge to make yourself an amazing founder.
Why students should have their own startups
● It looks good on your CV - Being a startup founder shows entrepreneurship, independence, determination to succeed (not to mention amazing work ethic!).
● There is never a better time to fail - students are far less likely to have significant outside responsibilities, such as children and a mortgage, and therefore a lot less to lose!
● Having a startup is an opportunity to meet people you’d never normally come across; people that could become your closest friends.
● It’s arguably a much more fun alternative to working in a pub or an office, and if you like being your own boss and making your own rules, it’s definitely for you.
Best startups for students
One of the biggest misconceptions in business is that you need a business degree to be a startup founder. That is simply not true! It doesn’t matter if you’re inexperienced - shut out those voices and do what you believe in!
1. Photography
2. Tutoring
3. Club promoting
4. Campaigning
5. App development
6. EdTech
These are just a few of a hundred startup ideas! If you’ve found a solution to one of society's (many) problems, you’ve got yourself an idea!
Organisations that provide great advice for young founders
● Student Founders Programme
