The 3 Things College Taught Me About Being An Entrepreneur If done correctly, the college experience can be a very beneficial time for entrepreneurs, and can provide opportunities to learn and grow.

By AJ Agrawal Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

For many reasons, college is a unique opportunity for young adults. It not only provides a rare ecosystem where students can learn new skills but also allows for experiences they might not have had access to otherwise.

Yet, as an entrepreneur, college is sometimes undervalued. Many people believe the standard courses and majors included in a college curriculum have little or no relevance for entrepreneurs and that aspiring founders are better off jumping into the real world and starting businesses. For this reason, hundreds of entrepreneurs drop out of college each year.

However, if done correctly, the college experience can be a very beneficial time for entrepreneurs, and can provide opportunities to learn and grow.

Related: 6 Signs You Are Not Ready for Entrepreneurship

Here are three ways that college can help you develop as an entrepreneur.

1. Interpersonal skills

College is a fantastic opportunity to develop your personality, along with your social, networking and relationship-building skills.

You are placed in a community with thousands of other young, ambitious students who want to learn and grow. There are hundreds of opportunities to join clubs, organizations and find ways to form new connections and friends.

By being surrounded by so many different people in so many different settings, college is a great platform for those who wish to network and meet new people -- a valuable skill for entrepreneurs. The direct value is it you can broaden your network and expand your knowledge, while the indirect benefit is you will learn how to form connections and relationships with people.

Plus, learning how to become charismatic and social is very important for entrepreneurs, as they are often forced to recruit new employees, gain clients and convince investors. All three of these basic functions are impossible without effective interpersonal skills.

Related: 7 Signs You're Meant to Be an Entrepreneur

2. Network

As touched on above, one of the most valuable assets for an entrepreneur is his network.

As an entrepreneur your job is versatile and requires many skills, people, and procedures. When you are fundraising, you need financial investors; when you are hiring, you need talent; and when you are growing your business, you need new leads and clients. For all of these functions, an entrepreneur's network is extremely helpful.

When an entrepreneur takes full advantage of his college experience, he can meet other entrepreneurs and people who can be potential employees, partners and investors. In addition, he can meet cohorts who can provide introduction to key employees and partners.

3. Education

While general humanities doesn't seem to contain much practical value for entrepreneurs, there are many other ways college can provide excellent education for entrepreneurs. For instance, the mentorship from business professors, teachers and club leaders can be helpful resources for entrepreneurs and tools to learn and grow.

Beyond mentorship, college is also a convenient place to learn the raw skills and traits of business. There are plenty of courses focused on the elements of running a business, along with specific entrepreneurship classes.

For high school graduates who have an inclination to go into entrepreneurship, making the shift to college can be a tricky one. However, now that many colleges specialize in teaching entrepreneurs, that decision has become easier. Ultimately, college can be a beneficial experience for young entrepreneurs if they take full advantage of it.

Related: 7 Dark Truths About Entrepreneurship

AJ Agrawal

Founder of Verma Media

AJ Agrawal is the founder of Verma Media, a marketing agency that focuses on emerging tech, like blockchain and AI, and on cannabis companies.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Leadership

The Core Traits of Effective Leaders — Here's What Every Manager Should Strive For

A team is only as great as its leader. Discover the core traits of effective leaders that you should be striving for.

Marketing

This SEO Secret Weapon Is Just $69 for Life

Affordable, actionable search engine optimization insights for businesses of all sizes.

Business News

Here's What 8 CEOs Made in 2024, From JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon to Disney's Bob Iger

CEO pay is on the rise, with some making tens of millions more in 2024 than they did in 2023.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Franchise

This Travel Franchise Turns Your Passion for Vacations Into a Money-Making Opportunity

Whether you're working from home, traveling or connecting with clients at their convenience, this franchise adapts to your lifestyle.