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What should I do for college and work when I really want to be an entrepreneur but don’t know where to start?

I really want to run my own business or create an app, but people keep telling me not to jump right into starting a business. They say I should get some experience first and work a regular job before trying that. I kinda agree, but the jobs people suggest don’t really interest me. For example, my sister said she would help me with money if I went to college for nursing, but I don’t want to be a nurse. My dad talks about engineering a lot, but I never thought about that for myself, and I don’t think I would like it. I’m just not sure what I should do for college or work right now, and I need help figuring it out.

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Don’s Answer

Hello Antah,

It is good that you want to be an entrepreneur and it is a big goal to have! I was doing some research and had a couple of possible options you could look into if you want to do business.

-Intern at different companies/opportunities.
-Create a Plan/Look for possible start up ideas.
-Network (there are many different ways you can do this whether it be through apps like LinkedIn, Slack, Bizzabo, Fishbowl, Bumble Bizz and any site that offers professional incite/advice for how to start.
-Evaluate your mindset/prepare for what you possibly might need to think about and how to manage different problems in business.
-Develop a brand whether it be a website, brochures or make a social page.
-Prepare financially for what you might need for your business.

I hope this is helpful and I wish you the best when it comes to being an entrepreneur!
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Chuck’s Answer

This might not be for everyone, but experience is key before starting a business. Without it, you'll not have enough experience with legality, hiring, data protection, finances, contracts, negotiation, marketing and so many more areas that is needed to start a business. I highly suggest working for a small company or agency to start and to learn the many differing areas of starting a business before diving in.
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Sisi’s Answer

It's great that you're seriously considering your future options! Thinking about the value of a college degree in today's world of AI and easy access to learning is important. While degrees are still respected, I encourage you to also explore your entrepreneurial ideas. Here are some thoughts:

Exploring Entrepreneurship:
- Dive into your business ideas with trial and error. Find a community and a mentor to help you learn. The best lessons come from doing, and you'll discover what you need to know along the way.
- Use online resources to fill any knowledge gaps. There's a wealth of great learning content available. Talk to mentors or use tools like chatGPT to find the best materials for you.
- Leverage AI-powered tools to boost productivity. In the AI era, even a one-person company can thrive, so use these tools to your advantage.

When a College Degree Can Help:
- A college education can introduce you to fundamental ideas. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, subjects like marketing, sales, and accounting can be very useful. For app design, understanding market needs and design is more crucial than coding, and you can learn these skills online. Try out natual language coding to test out your ideas.
- If you're unsure about entrepreneurship and want a backup plan, a degree can provide a safety net. Choose studies that support your business goals.

Good luck, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
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Debbie’s Answer

Hi. This is a great question.

I can see your family’s point of view and I can totally understand yours.

College is an expensive commitment. Not all jobs require a degree and many entrepreneurs have little to no college experience. You could take a few courses to get a feel for it. See if you want to go down that path.

I’d suggest making a list of everything you love to do. Things that you are passionate about. Things that you are good at. Things that spark your interest and ignite your imagination.

I’d suggest seeing if you could volunteer in the industry you want to be an entrepreneur in. If you want to create an app get feedback from a friend or someone you look up to. Ask if it’s something they would use.

I’d suggest listening to some podcasts that are related to business or any other topics you want to learn more about.

I believe everyone has a calling on their life. We all have multiple skills and could easily excel in more than one job, profession or career.

I believe the intersection of passion, knowledge and experience is the ideal combination. Exploring different fields of study can be helpful. Working in the field you’re interested in first can also be useful.

While your family and loved ones want what is best for you listen to your heart. Take others advice into consideration while staying true to yourself.

Your desires will change and evolve over time. Gain knowledge and wisdom now. Research, read and observe from others who have done what it is that you want to do.

Weigh your options and take your time deciding. Listen to your intuition and seek guidance from those you trust.

Best of luck in your future endeavors.
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Ann’s Answer

It's great that you want to start your own business! Just remember, there's a lot to learn when running one.

A business degree can really help, especially if you take accounting classes. Accounting might not seem exciting at first, but it's key to understanding how a business works. If you can get an internship at a tax accounting office, you'll learn about taxes and payroll. Plus, you'll meet business people who can share how they started and give you advice. These connections might even become your future customers. Building relationships is crucial in business, and getting a degree and experience will help you grow your network.
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Kate’s Answer

I would definitely agree with those suggesting studying business. This degree could be extremely helpful to your dreams of entrepreneurship by giving you background into the key areas that go into successful businesses. Some business programs also have foundational courses that you're required to complete before diving into a specific major, and I would definitely recommend one of those so that you could see if you have any interest in any of the main areas of business that you'd like to explore in addition to entrepreneurship.
Good luck with your studies and career!
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Tim’s Answer

I would steer you towards getting a degree either in Business Administration or Marketing. Both of those will give you some insight into subjects that are common really for any business endeavor. Take your time and discover what you are passionate about and then build a business around that. If you do, you will never consider it work!
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Sarah’s Answer

This may seem tough, but it's a great opportunity! Start by figuring out what excites you or what you don't enjoy doing. Gaining some experience at a company can help you learn more about yourself. While you can succeed in business by learning on the job, it's often easier to start with the basics through a university degree. This can be a valuable foundation if your career path changes. So, focus on discovering your passion, and remember that education and experience will support you along the way.
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Michelle’s Answer

Definitely consider a business degree. That way you can do your degree whilst building your business alongside it. Many colleges and universities also have "entrepreneurial centers" or similar. These are essentially programs that help people build their startup ideas. It's worth investigating any colleges that offer this sort of thing, because then you can get involved, meet other founders, and put the college degree to practical use whilst building your business. A business degree is also good because you then have credentials you can fall back on if needed.

Saying all that, if you already have an idea and you are passionate about solving a problem, just so for it. You don't necessarily need a college degree to be successful.

If you are super unsure, I'd take a year off, get some work experience trying a few different things, and work on your business at the same time. Then at the end of a year, you'll have a better idea if you want to go full steam ahead with your startup, or pursue a career from one of the work experience jobs you tried.

All the best.
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Jordan’s Answer

Explore startup entrepreneurship programs as they can be valuable for new businesses or app ideas, especially if you need funding beyond what you can provide yourself. Consider joining pre-accelerator programs where you can present your idea or product. When developing a product, it's important to understand key aspects like your value proposition, competition, market size, and customer feedback. This knowledge will serve as a solid foundation. Pursue your dreams and goals with determination, and success will follow. Networking on LinkedIn can also help you learn and expand your connections.
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Lin’s Answer

It's smart to think strategically about how college and work can serve your ultimate goal of becoming an entrepreneur. The key is to choose a path that equips you with practical skills for your business idea while also helping you build a valuable network.

Combine Building Skills with Business Know-How
Since you're interested in creating an app, majoring in Computer Science (CS) would give you a massive advantage. Instead of needing to hire someone to build your vision, you'll have the foundational skills to create the prototype—or even the entire product—yourself. This not only saves money but also gives you complete creative control.

To make this even more powerful, consider pairing a CS major with a minor in Business or Entrepreneurship. This combination is a classic for a reason:

1. Computer Science teaches you how to build the product.

2. Business teaches you how to sell the product, manage finances, and run a company.

Before committing, you can take a few introductory programming courses online to see if you enjoy it. If you find you're passionate about coding, it's a strong sign this is the right direction.

Use College as Your First Startup Incubator 🚀
University is much more than just classes; it's the perfect environment to plant the seeds for your future business. The advice to "get experience first" doesn't have to mean working a traditional job you dislike. You can build that experience in college.

1. Find Your People: Join entrepreneurship clubs, coding communities, or hackathons. This is where you'll meet like-minded students who could become your future co-founders, collaborators, or simply a supportive network of friends who share your ambition.

2. Leverage University Resources: Many universities offer incredible resources for student entrepreneurs, including mentorship programs, startup competitions with cash prizes, and access to faculty who are experts in technology and business.

3. Start a Side Hustle: You don't have to wait until graduation. Start a small project or business while you're in school. Whether it's developing a simple app, offering web design services, or another small venture, it's a low-risk way to gain real-world experience.

By choosing a major that gives you practical skills for your goals and actively using the university environment to build connections, you're not putting your dream on hold—you're actively building its foundation.
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Andy’s Answer

First off, it’s totally okay not to have it all figured out right now. Wanting to be an entrepreneur is a powerful goal, and the truth is—there’s no single path to get there.

Here’s something important to understand: college and jobs aren’t just about preparing you to run a business—they’re also about giving you stability while you explore your ideas. Having a steady income can give you the freedom to experiment, learn, and even fail without risking everything. That’s why some people suggest working a regular job first—it’s not to hold you back, but to give you a foundation.
But that doesn’t mean you have to follow someone else’s dream. If nursing or engineering don’t excite you, that’s okay. You don’t have to choose a career just because it’s practical or someone else thinks it’s a good idea. Instead, ask yourself:

What do I enjoy doing or learning about?
What problems do I care about solving?
What kind of lifestyle do I want?
What skills would help me build the kind of business I dream about?

You might find that studying business, computer science, design, or even psychology could help you build your app or company. Or maybe you’ll decide to skip college for now and take online courses, work part-time, and start building something small.
Here’s a balanced approach you might consider:

Pick a college major or job that builds useful skills (like communication, tech, or problem-solving) and gives you income.
Start small on your entrepreneurial journey—build a prototype, test an idea, or freelance.
Find mentors or communities of other young entrepreneurs who can guide and support you.
Keep learning—whether through school, work, or your own hustle.

You don’t have to choose between being practical and being passionate. You can do both. The key is to stay curious, keep moving forward, and build your future one step at a time.
Thank you comment icon This is very, very helpful to me. I already talked to my parents about it and showed them this comment. They agree!!! Antah
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Phill’s Answer

Hey Antah,

It is great to hear that you are considering your future according to your interests. It is great to have people who show support, but it is most important to pursuit something that you are passionate about. In that way, you will not feel forced to work but will want to instead, especially if you are your own boss. There are many ways people go about becoming an entrepreneur. I have noticed that most entrepreneurs did not necessarily know they were going to be owning the business that they do when they were in college, so be sure to trust the process.

If you see that college is something that is for you, a business major could be considered. You do not have to go to the fanciest, most expensive school in order to learn what you need. What matters is the work and effort that you put in, in school and in your business. Keep in mind, some businesses you might need a specific degree, but there are plenty when you would not need one at all.

A great way to see how an independent business is created and ran is with an internship or apprenticeship. Find small businesses near you and get in touch. If you can go in person or not, introduce yourself, your ambitions, and your interest in their business. Ask them about their journey and any main take aways they have learned along the way. Eventually, ask if they have any opportunities for work, an internship, or an apprenticeship. You should reach out to a good amount, not just one or two. Start with the ones that interest you the most and branch out to others that you might still be able to learn about.

Owning a business takes a lot of learning along the way, persistence, determination, and most of all effort and time. Regardless, the payoff might just be worth it and the only way to find out is to try.

Best of luck on your journey!
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Katie’s Answer

Majoring in Business, Business Administration, or Business Management is a logical option. However, there are other areas that are important for creating and developing a business -- areas such as Marketing & Communications, Media, etc. Perhaps those areas might be good for a college Minor.
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deborah’s Answer

Hello Antah! If you are really interested and focused on entrepreneurship, you may want to consider a business degree, or at least entrepreneurship training. For example, if you wanted to become an engineer, you would go to engineering school. Experience is also a great teacher, along with formal education/training.

If there is a particular type of business you are interested in, seek a job there for experience. Ask lost of questions of the owner/operator. This experience could also confirm you enjoy it, or not.

A business degree could be a good start for any career. Many transferrable skills... For example, I have a student that wants to be a dermatologist. She's taking business classes now so she knows how to operate her own dermatology practice. Then, she is going to dermatology school.

Good luck!
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Guille’s Answer

I suggest taking a career test and answering honestly. This will help you find out what you're good at. If you're thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, start with a side project in an area you excel at. Try different things to see what interests you. Ultimately, you want to do something you enjoy.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for this! I'll try to take the test and see if it matches me! Antah
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Sydney H’s Answer

An entrepreneurial mindset can be applied to so many roles/education programs while you discover your personal drive and strengths. Wearing a lot of hats and gaining experience in different fields is a great way to flex your future schooling and work. My biggest advice is to be flexible and find your boundaries.

For your future self, picture what a typical day would like, what lifestyle do you plan to have or imagine? From there, structure your life just like that or as much as possible to satisfy your basic needs and find satisfaction in your entrepreneurial ideas. I'm a supporter of schooling if you're getting experience and takeaways from it, same with working different jobs and varying your industry experience. Shadow others, observe, create, see how it goes.

Wishing you luck and happiness!
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