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If I want to become an entrepreneur and design my own products, how should I combine industrial design with entrepreneurship in college?

I am a high school junior interested in both industrial design and entrepreneurship. My long-term goal is to start my own business, potentially creating my own physical products. I am trying to decide whether I should double major in industrial design and entrepreneurship, major in industrial design and minor in entrepreneurship, or take another path. I would really like to hear what you would recommend based on your experience.

business entrepreneurship college-majors innovation collage industrial-design
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in Industrial Design and would like to become an entrepreneur.
Below are my suggestions :
1. I suggest to take Industrial Design as your major and take business management as your minor.
2. Explore intern opportunities in your college days
3. Work in the industry some time before starting your own business to understand the business model
4. If it is allowed both financial and you have time, take a part time MBA course before starting your business
5. Start the business online first if possible
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Nicholas’s Answer

There are no pre-requisites for entrepreneurship - that's the beaty of it! I'd suggest honing your product design skills in your undergraduate studies and you can always supplement your business skills postgrad with an MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship.
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Chandler’s Answer

Fortunately design is something creative that can be done when you are available. Designing digital products can be completed and also lead to designing and building physical products. The number one rule when you are starting out is don't pay for anything you can get for free. Take the time to see what your school, volunteer organizations, and governments will give you before buying anything. I suggest you read the free chapters of my book "New Beginnings: Start Your Own Business Workbook." The most free content is on the publisher website. The publisher is BookLocker.

What you need first are 1) customers with a clear need, 2) a way to collect capital for your designs, 3) a focus area or niche, and 4) the skills to generate leads and close sales. See the steps below to get started on 1-4 so you can begin making money to build your business.

Chandler recommends the following next steps:

1) Research with Google Trends, periodicals, research librarians, and search tools can define a clear need for creative designs.
2) A website is the easiest way to take payments. It may make sense to use a reputable site that collects part of your profit on each transaction as you get started.
3) Focus on a specific design area or niche so you can carve a section of the market you can differentiate yourself in quickly. AI tools are especially good at taking your talents, interests, skills, and people network in to make good suggestions here.
4) Marketing and sales can be learned for free on Coursera, Kahn Academy, and Acquisition .com
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Sunil’s Answer

Many successful entrepreneurs didn't major in entrepreneurship. Instead, they studied what interested them, like industrial design in your case, and explored market opportunities. Take Jack Dorsey, for example. He studied industrial engineering but moved into software and became a top entrepreneur. If you're in your early twenties, try creating prototypes and connect with others who share your passion. Work together and seek funding. In six months to a year, you'll learn more than a minor in entrepreneurship could teach you. Practical experience is invaluable. This doesn't mean skipping college, but remember that real-world learning is crucial. Focus on your studies, keep pushing forward, and good luck!
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