Many people assume that the best time to start a business is after finishing school, when you have more time and resources to focus on it. But this belief is often misguided. As the saying goes, “A wise person eats, but sleeps with their hands washed.” In other words, preparation and opportunity should never be postponed.
Students, especially those in university, are not only more mature than we often give them credit for, but many also have the unique advantage of being in an environment ripe for entrepreneurial exploration.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that students approach their time and talents differently. Some focus primarily on academics, others study less and dive into building businesses, while some opt for a combination of both. As another Rwandan proverb wisely states, “Wisdom comes quickly when ignorance departs.” This mindset is key to understanding why you should consider entrepreneurship while still in school. Here’s why:
- You have nothing to lose
As a student, you’re likely living with your parents or receiving financial support. This provides a unique cushion when starting out. If your venture fails, it’s often seen as a learning experience rather than a catastrophic loss.
The beauty of starting a business while you’re still in school is that you haven’t yet fully committed to the financial pressures of adulthood. You’re not bound by the heavy responsibilities of a mortgage or family to care for. If you fail, you’re still a student, with the added bonus of valuable market experience that will make it easier to rebound. You gain lessons that will stay with you for life—lessons that can shape your future success.
- You can apply what you’re learning
Many schools today focus on teaching entrepreneurial skills, offering practical knowledge about business management, marketing, and finance. Some even bring in industry experts to provide real-world insights. By starting a business while you’re still in school, you can immediately put these lessons into practice.
This is a major advantage. While others may wait until they’re out of school to launch their ventures, you have the opportunity to build and refine your business skills in real time. Starting early means you learn how to develop a business plan, manage resources, and understand market dynamics—knowledge that’s vital for any successful entrepreneur. Without it, growth becomes a gamble.
- You gain hands-on experience
Nothing beats practical experience when it comes to learning how to run a business. The lessons you learn by actually starting and running a business cannot be found in textbooks or lectures. When you start early, you’re putting yourself ahead of the game by gaining valuable, hands-on experience in areas like cash flow management, customer acquisition, marketing, and dealing with failure.
The earlier you start, the more you’ll learn—both from your mistakes and successes. These real-life lessons give you a head start over those who wait until after graduation to dive into entrepreneurship.
- You build a strong network early on
One of the biggest advantages of being in school is the network you have at your disposal. University is a place where you can build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, professors, and industry professionals. This network can become a powerful asset for your business.
Many successful entrepreneurs credit their connections formed during their school years as some of the most important relationships in their careers. Whether it’s a fellow student who later becomes a business partner or a professor who becomes a mentor, the people you meet now can help you later—whether that’s through business advice, funding, or opening doors to new opportunities.
- You’re in a safe space for experimentation
School provides a relatively low-risk environment for experimentation. You have access to resources like libraries, research materials, and mentors who can help you refine your ideas. Even more, many universities have entrepreneurship clubs, incubators, or competitions designed to support student startups.
Starting small while you’re still in school allows you to test the waters of entrepreneurship without putting your entire future on the line. You can experiment with ideas, pivot if needed, and gradually build your venture—learning the ropes without the intense pressure that often comes after graduation.
