By Harshini Manthri and Bhavitha Sri Devarakonda
THE FIRST IMPRESSION!
- Thinking about becoming a CEO right after college is inspiring, isn’t it? Many people have done it—they graduated and went on to lead some of the world’s top companies. When I first joined the English Club, I assumed it was only about grammar and poetry. Recently, I was assigned to write a blog on entrepreneurial skills. I felt hesitant at first because I didn’t know much about the topic. In our first year, we were introduced to startups and idea development, but most of us ignored it out of fear and lack of knowledge. As a result, we missed out on valuable learning opportunities.
WHY COLLEGE IS A GOOD STARTING POINT?
- Many successful entrepreneurs begin their journey during college. College provides an ideal environment to develop skills, test ideas, explore diverse subjects, and take initial steps toward entrepreneurship. It offers numerous opportunities—such as attending workshops, gaining experience through internships, and networking with people from diverse backgrounds. It’s the ideal time to experiment with your ideas and learn from mistakes without facing significant risks. College lays the foundation for personal and professional growth.
CHALLENGES YOU MIGHT FACE
Starting something big is certainly challenging. In the beginning, you may lack experience and feel unsure about whom to trust or how to manage finances. You’ll likely encounter setbacks, but they are an essential part of achieving meaningful success. Each mistake becomes a lesson that strengthens you and prepares you for the journey ahead.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- Avoid spending heavily on learning tools—opt for affordable or free resources instead. Use productivity and design apps to plan your work efficiently. Leverage online incubators, webinars, mentorship opportunities, and funding platforms designed for young entrepreneurs.
AMAZING REAL LIFE EXAMPLES
- Many successful young CEOs began their journeys from scratch.
- DELL— Michael Dell, for instance, launched Dell from his college dorm room. His story proves that age is no barrier—success requires inspiration, passion, persistence, patience, and a strong idea.
- FACEBOOK— Facebook began as a small social network for students and eventually became one of the biggest platforms in the world. Today, billions of people use it— proof that even a college project can grow into a global phenomenon.
- GOOGLE— Google was created as a project to simplify the process of finding information online. Today, it’s an integral part of daily life—from search and maps to email and more.
- SNAPCHAT— Snapchat was born from the idea of sending photos that disappear after being viewed. This unique concept evolved into one of the most popular social media apps among teenagers.
- FLIPKART— Founded by IIT Delhi alumni Sachin and Binny Bansal, Flipkart started as an online bookstore operated from a small apartment. Today, it’s one of India’s leading e-commerce platforms, rivaling Amazon.
- ZERODHA— Nithin Kamath began exploring the stock market during his college years and later founded Zerodha, now India’s largest stock brokerage. Although he didn’t complete his degree, his early interest and dedication proved invaluable.
TIPS FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS
Start with small steps and avoid waiting for the perfect moment.
● Every aspiring entrepreneur must accept that making mistakes early on is part of the process.
● Failure is acceptable, as long as you remain motivated and continue to persevere.
● Focus on solving real-world problems—this is how great businesses are created.
● Each of the entrepreneurs mentioned above gained valuable insights during their journeys and remained committed to enhancing their entrepreneurial skills.
● Entrepreneurship is not only about actions, but also about the habits we cultivate.
SKILLS TO LEARN
● Start by building a strong foundation with essential skills such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
● Gradually explore platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network and showcase your achievements. Participate in hackathons and coding competitions to enhance your skills and gain exposure.
● In college, we develop leadership, time management, adaptability to diverse mindsets, and—most importantly—problem-solving skills.
● Working with others teaches you how to manage time and multiple tasks simultaneously. It also helps you gain confidence in problem-solving and develop smart financial habits.
● Every action we take today shapes our future. Developing small, consistent habits can lead to significant changes. Essential skills such as financial literacy, adaptability, and networking should be cultivated by every student who aspires to become a successful entrepreneur.
● Students should nurture creativity and strive to develop innovative ideas. They must understand that communication is key—being articulate and professional when speaking with future clients is essential.
● They should also be capable of leading teams, managing time effectively to meet deadlines, understanding business finance, and adapting to various challenges.
● Students should continuously upgrade their skills and expand their networks by connecting with new people. These entrepreneurial abilities help shape a well-rounded individual, capable of solving complex problems and generating innovative solutions..
CONCLUSION
- The journey from college to CEO is challenging, but entirely achievable. Begin developing your skills and remain consistently motivated throughout the process. Focus on cultivating a resilient mindset—one that is equipped to overcome various challenges. All of this dedication will ultimately result in a powerful transformation—from a student into a successful entrepreneur.
