Why start a business while studying?
Many students think they must wait to start a business. But starting while in school is actually best. You get access to great resources, a network, and can try low-risk opportunities.
Starting a business as a student lets you:
- Earn money while studying for financial independence.
- Get real-world experience in business.
- Learn about market trends and business models.
- Grow your network with students, mentors, and professionals.
- Test and improve business ideas in a low-risk environment before growing.
At Team Academy Amsterdam, students start real businesses as part of their education. They graduate with a degree and practical entrepreneurial experience.
Finding the right business idea as a student
Not all businesses need a lot of money or skills. The best for students are low-cost, flexible, and scalable. Some good ideas include:
- Freelancing (graphic design, writing, social media management)
- Print-on-demand (selling custom T-shirts, mugs, or posters)
- Online tutoring for school subjects or special skills
- Event planning for student activities and parties
- Affiliate marketing or dropshipping
- Selling digital products like e-books or online courses
Before starting, validate your idea by asking people. Do small tests, and use social media to see if there’s demand.
Managing time: Balancing studies and business
Managing time is a big challenge for student entrepreneurs. But with the right strategies, it’s possible. Here’s how:
- Prioritisation: Use a time-blocking system to set aside hours for business and study.
- Automation & Outsourcing: Use tools like Upwork or Fiverr to outsource tasks and save time.
- Leveraging university resources: Business incubators, mentorship programs, and student grants can help.
- Setting realistic goals: Aim for small, consistent progress instead of trying to grow too fast.
At Team Academy Amsterdam, starting a business is part of the curriculum. Students don’t have to choose between education and entrepreneurship.
Steps to launch your business as a student
Starting small is key. Follow these steps to launch your business:
- Identify a profitable idea that fits your schedule.
- Validate the demand through quick market research and pilot projects.
- Check legal requirements like business registration (if necessary).
- Set up an online presence with a simple website and social media accounts.
- Launch lean—focus on getting your first sales before scaling up.
Turning your student business into long-term success
Many student businesses fail because they don’t plan well or grow too fast. To succeed long-term:
- Reinvest profits to slowly grow your business.
- Leverage student credibility (customer reviews, university endorsements).
- Seek mentorship to avoid common mistakes.
- Consider international opportunities, like studying abroad or remote work.
Start now with support from Team Academy
Want to start a business while studying? Join a university that teaches entrepreneurship and supports real-world experience.
At Team Academy Amsterdam, you don’t just learn entrepreneurship—you live it. You get real-world experience, international chances, and advice from successful entrepreneurs.
Want to make your business idea real? Find out more about our programs today!
