With hard work, a great idea, a knack for learning and genuine passion, anyone can start a business. There are many risks and rewards that come with being an entrepreneur though. While having flexible work hours and being your own boss are some of the many benefits, it can also come with hardships like financial stress and opposition. As an entrepreneur, it’s important to see these challenges as necessary obstacles to obtain a greater reward.
Things to think about
Top qualities and skills needed to be an entrepreneur:
Startups face many challenges, so it’s important to have the ability to shift plans and adapt new concepts in order to succeed. They need to develop creative solutions and troubleshoot issues.
Because entrepreneurs aren’t confined to an office setting and traditional business hours, they need to devote as much time as necessary to get their business going and have the discipline to make sure they’re staying on track.
Entrepreneurs are naturally great leaders. Having the ability to be confident in making decisions that are good for the business and solve problems quickly when they arise are essential.
Entrepreneurs are always thinking outside of the box. They rarely do what everyone else is doing, so it’s important to develop new and innovative ideas to launch a business. They must try new things in order to find what works best for their business.
Things You Can Do
Seek opportunities on campus to start developing skills.
There are many student startups on campus that you can connect with to bounce ideas off of each other and help them come to life. Get started in a campus organization or student group.
Successful entrepreneurs are always meeting new people, networking with other entrepreneurs and seeking advice from other businesses. Find ways to make these connections at Career Services.
There are many resources on campus to help get your business up and running. Check out the Idea Forge or Innovation Station and start using their services.
Attending local events like HackCU and other hackathons can help you practice your skills and further develop your business plans. Search the events calendar for CU events.
Learn more about the local startup and tech industry as well as find jobs and internships through BuiltinColorado.
Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE)
East Building, Second Floor
1725 Euclid Ave.
Boulder, Colorado 80309-0200
303-735-4445
exploratorystudies@colorado.edu
PESadvising@colorado.edu
Advising available via drop-in and appointment
