In today’s time, it is every student’s dream to do something different and new along with studies. Especially when we are in college, we have the biggest capital – time, energy and passion to learn. If you are also one of those students who want to start their own startup along with studies, then this article is for you.
This is not just an idea, but my own journey – where I launched my startup while studying in college. Here I will tell you step-by-step how I started, what things I kept in mind, what challenges came and how I handled them.
1) First of all – Why? (Start with Why?)
Before starting a startup, definitely ask yourself this question – “Why do I want to do this?”
Many people want to start a startup just by seeing the trend, but if your intentions are not clear, you will soon get tired or give up.
For me the “why” was very simple – I always wanted to do something new, something that is different from others. I love building projects, and I wanted my skills to not be limited to college.
Why do you want to start a startup?
- Do you want to build something for yourself?
- Do you want to solve a problem in society?
- Do you want to find a way to earn money?
- Do you want to give a new direction to your career?
The more honest and clear your answer is, the stronger your motivation will be.
2) Find What You Are Good At
Everyone is good at something. You don’t have to be a master of every technology or skill, but start with your favorite field.
Ask yourself:
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What skills can I work on for hours?
- What have I done best so far?
In my case, I enjoy web development, machine learning, and management. This was my strength, and I thought of my startup idea by combining these three.
Your startup idea should also be related to your skills. If you are good at content writing, then a content marketing agency can be started. If you are good at designing, then you can provide services of graphic design or UI/UX.
3) Get Information About the Necessary Technology and Tools
When you create a startup idea based on your skills, the next step is to understand the technology. In today’s time, nothing happens with just an idea, you should also know how to execute that idea.
In my case, I had to reach my service to the people. For this, I created a website and explained my project service well in it. I created a system by combining many different technologies, so that students can connect with me for projects in their domain.
Some common technologies you might need:
- Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React)
- No-code tools (Wix, Webflow, Canva, Notion)
- Payment integration (Razorpay, Stripe)
- Marketing tools (Mailchimp, WhatsApp API)
- Project management tools (Trello, Notion)
Not every startup needs all of these, but do your research and use the right tools for your startup.
4) How to Manage Studies and Startup Together?
This is the biggest challenge – how to strike a balance?
College assignments, exams, classes and then planning the startup, talking to clients, building a website – it is not easy to do all this at the same time.
So how did I do it?
I first divided my daily routine into 3 parts:
- Morning: Studies and classes
- Afternoon: Project work and development
- Evening: Meetings with clients, updates, social media etc.
I made a timetable in such a way that not a single day of mine is wasted and I can make progress in both things.
You should also do something like this:
- Plan your entire week every Sunday
- Prioritize your time – what is important, what can wait
- Avoid social media and distractions
- Build a team – it will be difficult to do everything alone
The Story of My Startup – Projectron
Now let’s talk about the startup that I started while I was in college – Projectron.
Projectron is a website that helps students to create major and minor projects according to their domain. I myself have created more than 20 projects – in domains like Web Development, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, IoT, Mobile Apps.
When I realized that many students are worried about projects, they do not get guidance, they do not have practical knowledge – then I thought why not I can use my experience for others.
What does Projectron do?
- Helps in giving projects to students according to their course or interest
- Creating, explaining and delivering custom projects
- Giving practical knowledge to students
- Also helping them in their college presentations and reports
In the beginning, I did everything myself – creating the website, talking to clients, writing content, and marketing. Gradually when the demand increased, I took 2 friends in the team.
Benefits of Starting a Student Startup
- Learning experience: You can immediately implement what you learn.
- Network is formed: Connect with new people, clients, professionals.
- Self-reliance at an early age: Starting to earn increases confidence.
- Points on your resume: Your startup experience will come in handy in your job or masters application.
Your Journey Can Start Today
If you want to start a startup, take your first step today. No big plan is needed, just start with small steps.
Some suggestions:
- Create a diary or digital notebook – to write down ideas
- Create 1 project in 1 month – and show it to people
- Start with freelancing websites (Fiverr, Upwork, Internshala)
- Share your work on social media
- Find small clients in college
Conclusion
Starting a startup is not like a magic trick. It is a process – to think, understand, create and keep learning. If you have an idea, skill and passion to learn – then you too can start a successful startup while in college.
For me, Projectron was not just a project, but a dream – which I fulfilled with hard work and true dedication. Now it is your turn.
Remember – don’t wait for the right time, make the time right.
If you found this article inspiring, do share it with your friends. Maybe someone else’s journey also starts from here.