Think Like an Entrepreneur: Getting the Most out of College

Ben GranLAS 101

September 22, 2011

“All advice is autobiographical.” – Austin Kleon

Is College Still “Worth It?”

The Economy is really bad.

BUT…

It’s even worse if you don’t go to college. Image Source:

http://www.sitepoint.com/why-a-bad-economy-will-help-social-networks/

Unemployment Rates by Education Level

Source: http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2011/05/the-uneducated-jobless.html

What do today’s college grads regret most?

Source: http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2011/05/what-college-graduates-regret.html

“Students are being ill-served by the cultural stereotype of college as a period of enjoyment and exploration that precedes entry into the ‘real world.’ College, rather, is a period of preparation for the real world, and if you don’t take it as such, the real world can make you pay and pay big.” – Ezra Klein, Washington Post

Advice for College Freshmen (from my Facebook friends)

• Make friends. Study abroad. Get internships.• Manage your money wisely and avoid debt.• “You don’t need a luxury apartment when

you’re a college student. I lived in a box-like dorm room with a stranger.”

• “If you’re going to college just because it’s ‘the next thing to do after high school,’ you’re doing it wrong.”

Think like an entrepreneur, not an employee.

Learn transferable skills.Solve interesting problems for

organizations you care about.Be a leader. Be indispensable.

Be Like Luke

• ISU alum, class of 2008

Luke’s Iowa State Experience

Get an Internship

Go Abroad

Photo from New York Times

Make Friends

Satoru Hiro

Start Your Own Business

Start Your Career Search NOW

• Be like Steve Jobs:

(Market to your biggest fans first.)

Build a Portfolio – Start Now!

Source: http://www.slideshare.net/choehn/recessionproof-graduate-1722966

Bloggers You Should Read

• Seth Godin

Bloggers You Should Read

Note Cards

• 3 names of people who can help you get an internship next summer

• 1 thing you got out of my speech• 1 thing you’re grateful for

Be Grateful

Where’s your $9 million?

Questions?

BenjaminGran.com