What
do Microsoft, Dell, Napster and Facebook all have in common? Aside
from being among some of the most market-shaking companies of the last quarter
century, they were all also created by college students. Sure, not
everyone can be the next Mark Zuckerberg, but starting a small
business while in college is definitely possible. There are several
options that require little to no startup capital and can be done without
an office space. Entrepreneurship in college can help make valuable
connections while also generating some income to cover tuition, meals and
those very expensive textbooks.
1.
Information technology (IT) consulting
Information technology is one field where
having years of experience can actually work against you. College students
typically have the freshest skills in this area and knowledge of the newest
technologies. If you don’t feel confident promoting yourself as an IT
consultant to businesses, put the word out on campus that you’re available to
help the less tech-savvy majors with their computer issues, and build from
there.
2. Social media consulting
College students are often on the cutting edge of
social-media trends. Use this knowledge and experience to advise companies on
their social-media strategy. Take them beyond Facebook and LinkedIn, and
introduce them to new channels to get their messages out.
3. Graphic design
Graphic design consulting relies more on creativity
and talent than years of experience. Design majors should grab a portfolio of
their best projects from class, print off some impressive looking business
cards or feature them on a website, and get started.
4. Website design
Students are much more exposed to designing websites
than ever before. Many have done so for a campus group or club, a fellow
student or just a personal blog. Those sites can be used as samples and
leveraged in order to branch out to designing websites for a profit.
5. Photography
Thanks to platforms like Pinterest, Instagram,
Snapchat and Facebook, the world has become more accustomed to using images to
communicate. With a rise in the need for visual content, there has also been
growing sense of comfort with using amateur photographers. Due to advancements
in technology, these amateurs have the ability to churn out high-quality work.
6. Event planning
College students have probably attended their fair
share of parties, but putting that party experience to good use is another
story. Event planning requires attention to detail, organization, the ability
to multitask and creativity. If equipped to handle the job, start a business around
campus and become the go-to source for planning campus group or club
activities. It’s important to note that taking your business outside of school
may require special certification.
7. Personal trainer
Personal trainers have flexible hours and can conduct
workouts almost anywhere. Personal training can oftentimes require a
certification through an organization such as ACE, but meeting the
requirements, such as taking a certification exam and passing CPR/AED courses,
may be easier than you think.
8. Cleaning services
Starting a cleaning business allows students to work
flexible hours and doesn’t require an office. Not to mention, supplies needed
for this business can be purchased at your local grocery store. Many people are
willing to pay someone else to do a dirty job. A gold mine for the
cleaning business lies within fraternity or sorority houses the day after a big
game.
9. Freelance makeup artist
According to Federal data, women have outnumbered
men in American colleges for nearly 35 years. This provides the perfect
opportunity to start a small business geared towards the female demographic.
Freelance makeup artists can generate revenue in the traditional sense of
applying makeup to customers ahead of special occasions. Alternately, one of
the newest ways to make money is by providing tutorial videos on social media.
Great content that attracts a high number of viewers can turn into YouTube
sponsorship dollars.
10. Landscaping / snow removal
Landscaping and snow removal services are great
seasonal businesses that can carry over vacation breaks and throughout the
semester. Armed with a shovel, garden store equipment and some sturdy
boots, students living off-campus or local residents could become very
lucrative clients.
Even if a business is started by a student while in
college, it’s still a real business, with real rewards and risks. No matter
what the business or size of the company, it’s important to have insurance
protection. Things like specialized IT consultant insurance or a more
general professional liability policy will help a company stay out of trouble
if anything goes wrong. The bottom line is that college entrepreneurship can be
a great way to earn some money as well as pave the way for continued career
success after graduation.
Source: entrepreneur.com
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