Well, in this post, I will be sharing my views on this as an education and career consultant. First, you may want to request the summary of my book "Campus Gigs: Starting Your Own Business in School" - It's FREE. For just N2,000, you can get the PDF file of the complete pack. If you're interested in secrets that will transform your school life into a business for the future, this book is a must!
Back to Mutolib's request, I know his area of strength - it's freelance and graphic design. So, I won't struggle to help him here. But if that's not your own thing, I have nine other offers for you too.
Businesses You Can Start On Campus With Little to No Money
Starting a business as a fresher, on campus, with little to no money can be a great way to gain entrepreneurial experience and earn some extra income. Having passed through the system a few years before you and with adequate knowledge of what's trending on our campuses today, this post presents a list of services you can consider while you're still a student, or probably even after.
- Tutoring
- Graphic Design
- Social Media Management
- Freelance Writing or Editing
- Event Planning
- Handmade Crafts or Artwork
- Photography
- Clothing Resale
- Language Translation or Transcription
- Fitness Training or Yoga Classes
This post will be overworded if I must take each and write a comprehensive guide on it. That and more is what my book was dedicated to. Yet, I've pointed out a few things to help you get ideas of how these businesses can be started, run, and managed as a student.
Here's a breakdown of steps to start and manage each of the mentioned businesses, along with requirements and potential challenges.
1. Tutoring
This is the easiest of all if you're better at some courses than your coursemates. See, back in my days in school, I was better off than others in certain subjects but I wouldn't see that as an opportunity to make a few bucks here and there. I would teach others for free and, in fact, would hide what I knew from others sometimes. This is not the best, but anybody could miss out on this if you don't have the right orientation.
Similarly, some may get too shy to start tutoring as a side hustle in school, especially if you're not a natural teacher. Well, it's natural but you have to break out of that by earning to be - at least with time. If you know what they don't know, you're better off and you deserve to be paid for that.
If you still can't teach your coursemates, lower-level students, if you're in the 200-level or higher, can be the right clients. For those who live off-campus, tutoring your neighbors' primary or secondary school students will come more easily.
Startup Steps:
- Determine the subjects or topics you'll tutor in.
- Set your tutoring rates and decide on your free time for this.
- Advertise your services through flyers, social media, or campus bulletin boards.
- Schedule tutoring sessions with interested students.
Requirements: Strong understanding of the subjects you'll be tutoring, good communication skills, patience, and reliability.
Challenges: Competition from other tutors, scheduling conflicts with classes or extracurricular activities, and ensuring students' academic success.
Practical Tips: I've noticed some students creating social media groups dedicated to assisting with secondary and primary school assignments. These group administrators add family and friends, keeping them updated so they can help their children or wards with school assignments. When their services are required, parents or students can send assignment questions via direct message and make payments. They typically charge N300 or more per question. Once completed within the agreed-upon time frame, the answers are sent to the student. You can specialize in a particular subject, such as Mathematics. Over time, as the group grows, members can share questions based on individual areas of expertise and competence.
2. Graphic Design
You should start graphic design if you truly know what you're doing. In fact, if you love this, your campus can be the right starting ground for a graphic and design business. However, you can face serious competition if this is your take.
I don't have to remind you that many students, like you, want to learn and start the same thing. Existing shops providing computer services for students and businesses are equally in direct competition. Yet, if you have what it takes, go ahead; it's profitable.
With many businesses and student entrepreneurs flocking to the campuses, you can easily win more customers among coursemates who are into campus gigs.
Similarly, you can start this, by taking orders from customers and outsourcing the services elsewhere - I mean using the service of another graphic designer, especially if it could be done cheaper with commercial printers.
Startup Steps:
- Create a portfolio showcasing your design work.
- Set your pricing structure for different types of design services.
- Market your services to campus clubs, local businesses, and event organizers.
- Collaborate closely with clients to understand their design needs and deliver high-quality work.
Requirements: Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator), creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.
Challenges: Meeting client expectations, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and staying updated with design trends and software.
Practical Tips: Becoming a graphic designer, even if you're currently a novice, may not take more than 3 months of intensive training. You can learn it on campus or from home. With just a laptop and the right software, such as Adobe Photoshop, you're set to launch your entrepreneurial journey.
3. Social Media Management
There are on-campus and off-campus businesses that want to focus on their primary business activities but will require freelance services to manage their online presence. This is where your help as a social media manager comes in.
You can approach existing businesses and convince them to start if they don't already have a social presence, and woo those already online to use your services.
Startup Steps:
Develop a strong understanding of various social media platforms and their algorithms.
Create sample social media content to showcase your skills.
Offer competitive pricing packages for social media management services.
Reach out to local businesses or student organizations to pitch your services.
Requirements: Knowledge of social media platforms, content creation skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to analyze metrics.
Challenges: Keeping up with ever-changing algorithms, maintaining a consistent brand voice across different platforms, and handling negative feedback or comments.
4. Freelance Writing or Editing
This could get pretty competitive when you're among students who are as good. Yet, experience has shown that apart from being better than others at writing and editing, people who dedicate more time to these skills can easily be ahead of others. Starting this on campus is right for you if you're better and ready to keep learning.
With assignments and thesis everywhere, you may find it difficult to run out of orders as a student freelance writer and editor.
Startup Steps:
- Build a portfolio of your writing or editing samples.
- Determine your pricing structure (per word, per hour, or per project).
- Market your services to students, businesses, and online platforms.
- Establish clear communication with clients to understand their requirements and deadlines.
Requirements: Strong writing or editing skills, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and adaptability to different writing styles.
Challenges: Finding clients initially, managing multiple projects with varying deadlines, and maintaining the quality of work under pressure.
5. Event Planning
Your campus provides a ready-made target audience for your services. Student organizations, clubs, and departments regularly host events and may require assistance with planning and execution.
As a student yourself, you have an insider's understanding of campus culture, preferences, and trends. This knowledge can help you tailor your event planning services to meet the specific needs and interests of your fellow students.
Managing events on campus will provide you with valuable real-world experience in event planning, project management, budgeting, and client communication. These skills are transferable and can enhance your professional development regardless of your future career path.
Startup Steps:
- Identify your niche in event planning (e.g., corporate events, weddings, campus parties).
- Network with campus organizations, local vendors, and event venues.
- Create event proposals and packages to showcase your services.
- Plan and execute successful events while staying within the budget and timeline.
Requirements: Creativity, organizational skills, negotiation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle stressful situations.
Challenges: Balancing multiple tasks during event planning, managing unexpected issues during events, and ensuring client satisfaction.
6. Handmade Crafts or Artwork
Your campus is often vibrant community where creativity is celebrated. Starting a handmade crafts or artwork business allows you to express your creativity and share your unique creations with others.
Students, faculties, and staff are often interested in purchasing handmade and unique items to decorate their living spaces or give as gifts. Your fellow students, in particular, may appreciate supporting local artists and creators.
Campuses often host events such as craft fairs, art shows, and pop-up markets where you can showcase and sell your handmade crafts or artwork. These events provide valuable opportunities to reach a larger audience and generate sales.
Startup Steps:
- Determine your niche and the types of crafts or artwork you'll create.
- Source materials affordably from local stores or online suppliers.
- Set up an online store on platforms like Etsy or create social media accounts to showcase your products.
- Market your products through social media, craft fairs, or local markets.
Requirements: Creativity, craftsmanship, attention to detail, basic knowledge of pricing and marketing.
Challenges: Finding unique product ideas, managing inventory and production time, and competing with other sellers.
7. Photography
Schools are filled with students, faculty, and staff who often need professional photography services for various purposes, including graduation photos, headshots, event coverage, and promotional material for clubs and organizations.
Campuses host a wide range of events throughout the academic year, providing ample opportunities for event photography. These events may include concerts, sports games, lectures, performances, and cultural festivals.
As a student photographer, you can schedule your photo shoots around your class schedule and other commitments. This flexibility allows you to pursue your passion for photography while balancing your academic responsibilities.
Startup Steps:
- Invest in a decent camera and photography equipment if you don't already own them.
- Build a portfolio showcasing your photography skills.
- Market your services to individuals, student organizations, and local businesses.
- Schedule photo sessions, capture high-quality images, and deliver them to clients.
Requirements: Photography skills, knowledge of editing software, creativity, and interpersonal skills.
Challenges: Finding clients initially, mastering different photography techniques, and managing post-processing workload.
Practical Tips: If you're not experienced yet, consider learning to become a student photographer. Experience has shown that physical training isn't always necessary, as you can find free courses online teaching you to become a professional photographer. With a less expensive yet quality camera, such as your smartphone, you can transform your photographic skills into a regular source of income.
8. Clothing Resale
Students are often looking for affordable and stylish clothing options. By catering to your fellow students, you have a built-in target audience who are likely to be interested in your products.
There's a growing trend among young people towards sustainable fashion and thrifting. Many students are interested in buying second-hand clothing both for environmental reasons and to find unique, vintage pieces.
Starting a clothing resale business requires minimal investment, especially if you source your inventory from thrift stores or your own closet. You can start small and reinvest profits as your business grows.
Startup Steps:
- Source affordable clothing items from thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces.
- Photograph and list items for sale on online platforms like Depop, Poshmark, or eBay.
- Market your store through social media and collaborate with influencers or fashion bloggers.
- Provide excellent customer service and manage orders efficiently.
Requirements: Knowledge of fashion trends, photography skills, a basic understanding of e-commerce platforms, and customer service skills.
Challenges: Finding high-quality items to resell, staying updated with fashion trends, and managing inventory and shipping logistics.
9. Language Translation or Transcription
Campuses often have a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff who may speak different languages or require transcription services for their academic work. This diversity provides a steady demand for translation and transcription services.
As a student, you may possess proficiency in multiple languages, either as a result of your cultural background, language studies, or personal interests. Leveraging your language skills allows you to offer valuable services to individuals and groups on campus who require translation or transcription assistance.
Offering language translation or transcription services can be a flexible way to earn money as a student. You can work around your class schedule and take on projects as your time permits, making it easier to balance academic commitments with your business.
Startup Steps:
- Determine the languages you're proficient in and the types of translation or transcription services you'll offer.
- Create a professional website or online profile highlighting your language skills and services.
- Reach out to potential clients, such as students, businesses, or academic researchers.
- Deliver accurate and timely translations or transcriptions according to client requirements.
Requirements: Fluency in multiple languages, excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in translation or transcription software.
Challenges: Ensuring accurate translations or transcriptions, managing confidential information, and handling complex or technical content.
Practical Tips: Becoming a language translator has never been easier. With sophisticated software and AI tools available, you can enter this field and start earning money even with average or minimal bilingual knowledge.
10. Fitness Training or Yoga Classes
Campuses are populated with students who are often interested in staying fit and healthy. Offering fitness training or yoga classes directly on campus allows you to tap into this target audience conveniently.
With the increasing awareness of the importance of physical and mental well-being, there's a growing demand for fitness and yoga classes among students. Many students are looking for ways to relieve stress, stay active, and maintain a healthy lifestyle amidst their academic commitments.
Most schools have fitness centers or recreational spaces that can be utilized for fitness training or yoga classes. You can leverage these existing facilities to offer your services without the need for significant investment in renting space.
Startup Steps:
- Obtain necessary certifications or qualifications for fitness training or yoga instruction.
- Create personalized workout plans or yoga sequences for clients.
- Promote your services through social media, flyers, or word of mouth.
- Schedule training sessions or classes at convenient times for clients.
Requirements: Fitness certification (if applicable), expertise in exercise techniques or yoga poses, motivational skills, and ability to adapt to clients' needs.
Challenges: Attracting clients initially, ensuring client safety during workouts or yoga sessions, and staying updated with fitness trends and techniques.
Conclusion
Entrepreneurship opportunities abound for students on campus, providing avenues to gain valuable experience and earn extra income. As an education and career consultant, I've witnessed firsthand how students like Mutolib have leveraged their skills and passions to embark on successful entrepreneurial ventures.
Whether it's tutoring, graphic design, social media management, freelance writing, event planning, handmade crafts, photography, clothing resale, language translation, or fitness training, there are numerous possibilities awaiting exploration.
While this post provides a glimpse into the diverse range of businesses students can start with little to no money, it's essential to recognize that each venture requires careful planning, dedication, and resilience to overcome challenges and achieve success.
If you're interested in delving deeper into the world of campus entrepreneurship, I invite you to explore my book "Campus Gigs: Starting Your Own Business in School." It contains valuable insights, practical tips, and secrets that can transform your school life into a thriving business venture. Request your free summary or purchase the complete pack today to unlock the potential of entrepreneurship on campus.
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