Starting A Business After Graduation: International Students

As an international student or graduate, your main concern is probably your career options upon graduation. Here's our guide to starting a business after graduation.

Everyday, we’re witnessing the increasing popularity of entrepreneurship; and this has not been an exception in the case of graduates and particularly international graduates.

One of the main struggles When I decided to dedicate my entire time and attention in pursuit of what is now StudyFlats (read more about the StudyFlats story).

As an international graduate, it can be challenging to establish a professional life as an expat, and this is arguably even harder in the case of the self-employed. With this in mind, I’ve decided to write down 6 lessons that I had to learn the hard way.

If you’re an international student who has started their own business after graduation, this article is a no-brainer so keep on reading !

1) So many things can (and will) go wrong

Whilst you’re still at the idea stage you’re full of optimism.The way I saw it was: “You have a fantastic idea, you’ll smoothly build the product/service and your customers will love it.” It goes without saying that I couldn’t be more wrong !

Almost everything can go wrong from the moment you start. It can begin from the earliest stage such as the name you choose for your company. Building on that example, we’re living in a world where almost everything, including e-commerce, is online. You might have a great name in mind, considering the importance of your brand name, but it can be taken, either as a domain name or fully registered as a trade mark.

The rest of the road is also filled with surprises of this kind.

2) Your “mission” is as important as your product/service

This is perfectly reflected in Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle concept. Check out the full video here if you want to know more about this. If you’re a founder, I highly recommend that you do.

Applying this to real life founders, it’s basically about “why” you’re doing what you’re doing. Majority of entrepreneurs, including myself in the earlier days, spend most of their focus on their product/service and not on this subjective (and equally important) aspect if it.

The importance of this is based on its importance in how you psychologically connect with your customers. Moreover, it’s crucial because without having a true passion about what you’re doing, and thus a “mission”, you’re unlikely to go far (and this is not solely limited to entrepreneurship either).

3) Network, network, network…

Regardless of the industry you operate in, your business model or target market, your network is extremely important.

Your network is not only your vehicle for raising awareness about your product but to also enhance your own competency as a founder and an individual. A strong network enables you to be exposed to new ways of thinking and approaching issues.

As an international student, you have the benefit of creating a global network during your time as a student. Make sure you make the best use of this advantage.

4) It might take a long time to see results

Despite all its positives, entrepreneurship is tough work. You will most likely work more than 37.5 hours per week (standard hours on a full time job) and it will take a long time for you to see results. It could also completely fail.

This may seem harsh and off-putting for anyone considering this path, but it’s a reality. However, assuming that you are certain there’s a need/market for your business, you have to change the perspective of “all this work might actually lead to nothing”.

Instead focus on: A) the skills and knowledge that you are gaining everyday and B) positivity that you are doing something that you are passionate about.

5) You will be your own boss but not really..

This one might seem strange and contradictory initially but definitely one that’s worth mentioning.

I hear most people stating “being their own boss” as one of the best aspects of entrepreneurship. True, you do not have a boss whom you have to reluctantly listen to and do as they tell you.

However, your customers are ultimately your boss. They are paying you for their product/service and you have to keep them happy to have a functional business.

6) You have way less time than you think

This one speaks for itself really but it’s worth emphasising how important efficient time management is. There are so many things that you have to think of and if you cannot efficiently prioritise them you’re minimising your chances of success.

Philosophically aside, if you’re an international student who needs a visa to start a business, it’s very important to plan things in advance.

As an international student or graduate, your main concern is probably your career options upon graduation. Here's our guide to starting a business after graduation.

1) So many things can (and will) go wrong

2) Your “mission” is as important as your product/service

3) Network, network, network…

4) It might take a long time to see results

5) You will be your own boss but not really..

6) You have way less time than you think

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