2 answers
Scott
Student
Columbus, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What are some of the most important things for me to consider if I plan on owning a business in the software engineering career field?
I plan on going to Texas A&M to get a bachelors degree in software engineering. I plan on joining such a company and eventually create my own company.
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2 answers
Cameron Cooley
IT Field Technician
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
That’s a powerful vision you have, and it’s awesome that you're already thinking long-term. If you're planning to own a business in the software engineering field, here are some key things to keep in mind beyond just writing great code:
Problem-Solving Over Product
Successful tech companies don’t just build cool software—they solve real problems. Start training yourself now to identify gaps in industries or everyday life where software can make things better, faster, or easier. That mindset will guide your future business ideas.
Learn the Business Side Early
Software skills will get you in the door, but understanding things like pricing models, funding, marketing, and customer retention is what keeps a business alive. Take a few electives in entrepreneurship, economics, or marketing if you can, and get familiar with tools like business model canvases and lean startup methods.
Build Your Network Before You Need It
While at Texas A&M, connect with peers, professors, and professionals in the tech scene. Join hackathons, tech clubs, and startup competitions. These relationships can turn into future co-founders, hires, or investors.
Focus on Scalable Thinking
As a business owner, you'll want to build things that scale—not just technically, but also in terms of your time and team. Get comfortable with automation, cloud platforms, and designing systems that can grow without breaking.
Practice Leadership and Communication
Even the best software won’t go far if you can’t inspire a team or clearly explain your vision to customers and partners. Take on leadership roles during school, whether in group projects or clubs, and sharpen your ability to translate technical ideas into something anyone can understand.
Understand Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
When you own a software business, issues like data privacy, intellectual property, and user rights become your responsibility. It’s worth learning the basics of software licensing, contracts, and cybersecurity regulations.
Last but not least, Build your mindset!
One of the best ways to build that mindset early is by reading books from successful entrepreneurs (like The Lean Startup by Eric Ries or Zero to One by Peter Thiel) and listening to podcasts like "How I Built This" or "Indie Hackers" to hear real stories of startup journeys—the wins and the struggles. Also, surround yourself with people who think big—whether that’s joining entrepreneur groups, startup communities, or just having regular conversations with others who are also driven to create and lead. The more you expose yourself to that energy, the more naturally and consistently you’ll start thinking like a founder.
Starting out at a company first is a smart move—it’ll help you learn what works (and what doesn’t) from the inside. And when you’re ready, you’ll be armed with the experience and vision to build something truly your own. Keep that entrepreneurial mindset alive—big things are ahead! Hope this helps!
Problem-Solving Over Product
Successful tech companies don’t just build cool software—they solve real problems. Start training yourself now to identify gaps in industries or everyday life where software can make things better, faster, or easier. That mindset will guide your future business ideas.
Learn the Business Side Early
Software skills will get you in the door, but understanding things like pricing models, funding, marketing, and customer retention is what keeps a business alive. Take a few electives in entrepreneurship, economics, or marketing if you can, and get familiar with tools like business model canvases and lean startup methods.
Build Your Network Before You Need It
While at Texas A&M, connect with peers, professors, and professionals in the tech scene. Join hackathons, tech clubs, and startup competitions. These relationships can turn into future co-founders, hires, or investors.
Focus on Scalable Thinking
As a business owner, you'll want to build things that scale—not just technically, but also in terms of your time and team. Get comfortable with automation, cloud platforms, and designing systems that can grow without breaking.
Practice Leadership and Communication
Even the best software won’t go far if you can’t inspire a team or clearly explain your vision to customers and partners. Take on leadership roles during school, whether in group projects or clubs, and sharpen your ability to translate technical ideas into something anyone can understand.
Understand Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
When you own a software business, issues like data privacy, intellectual property, and user rights become your responsibility. It’s worth learning the basics of software licensing, contracts, and cybersecurity regulations.
Last but not least, Build your mindset!
One of the best ways to build that mindset early is by reading books from successful entrepreneurs (like The Lean Startup by Eric Ries or Zero to One by Peter Thiel) and listening to podcasts like "How I Built This" or "Indie Hackers" to hear real stories of startup journeys—the wins and the struggles. Also, surround yourself with people who think big—whether that’s joining entrepreneur groups, startup communities, or just having regular conversations with others who are also driven to create and lead. The more you expose yourself to that energy, the more naturally and consistently you’ll start thinking like a founder.
Starting out at a company first is a smart move—it’ll help you learn what works (and what doesn’t) from the inside. And when you’re ready, you’ll be armed with the experience and vision to build something truly your own. Keep that entrepreneurial mindset alive—big things are ahead! Hope this helps!
Cathy Le, CRP, GMS-T
Global Mobility Specialist
16
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Cathy’s Answer
Hi Scott,
I can't speak much in the field of software engineering, but from your question and also your aspiration goals, you sound like an amazing person with high goals in life.
I'm not from an engineering background, but if your goal is to start your own business and perhaps one day become a CEO of a multimillion-dollar business, it is important to have a good understanding of business management.
Yes, you may have the technical skills, but you also need to have soft skills such as talent management, organization management, finance etc.
So, I'd say, if time allows, consider signing up for elective courses in the field of business as well so that you can get a sense of how to run a business when you're ready to kick-start that business.
I can't speak much in the field of software engineering, but from your question and also your aspiration goals, you sound like an amazing person with high goals in life.
I'm not from an engineering background, but if your goal is to start your own business and perhaps one day become a CEO of a multimillion-dollar business, it is important to have a good understanding of business management.
Yes, you may have the technical skills, but you also need to have soft skills such as talent management, organization management, finance etc.
So, I'd say, if time allows, consider signing up for elective courses in the field of business as well so that you can get a sense of how to run a business when you're ready to kick-start that business.