Introduction

At the tender age of 22, initiating a venture was a bold move, especially when I had just graduated from a reputable college, held a good job, and had a reasonable salary. But it wasn't a choice but a necessity. Here, I delve into the lessons learned from embarking on this entrepreneurial journey and its profound impact on my career growth.

Deciding to Venture into Entrepreneurship

Given my upbringing, with no dependents to support, my decision to venture into entrepreneurship wasn't impulsive but carefully considered. The early 2010s saw the burgeoning of Software as a Service (SaaS) technology, making it a promising field to invest time and energy. Coupled with reaching a stage in my career where I had already proved myself in sales, my company's successful IPO in 2015 further boosted my confidence to take the leap.

A Career-Changing Choice

Reflecting on the decision now, I can confidently say that becoming an entrepreneur in my early twenties was the best career move. It didn't just catapult me into a new professional realm but transformed me into a more empathetic and believing individual, skills that are invaluable even in today's professional landscape.

Gained Skills and Lessons

Here are some of the skills and lessons I picked up along the way:

Leadership

I adopted empathy from my co-founders, a trait that has been instrumental in managing teams effectively today. Understanding the problems of my team members has become an essential standard for effective leadership. Empathy, in essence, allows leaders to connect with their teams on a deeper emotional level, fostering trust and mutual respect.

Self-Belief

Coming from a tough childhood where my parents and teachers did not always believe in me, I was initially a self-doubting individual. However, this experience of starting up helped bolster my self-belief dramatically. Each success has further cemented my belief in my abilities, which only grows with more accomplishments.

Audacity and Thinking Outside the Box

Termed 'chutzpah' in the context of entrepreneurship, I learned not to be afraid of failure. This applies to all tasks, not just those that seem daunting. The entrepreneurial mindset propels individuals beyond their comfort zones, driving innovation and productivity.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For college students or any other students reading this, if the idea of starting up is too risky to leap into, consider working alongside founders, volunteering, or interning with startups. These experiences will give you a taste of what lies ahead. Exploring the entrepreneurial world early on can greatly influence your career trajectory and help you make informed decisions in the future.

The Role of Hard Work in Career Growth

While the term 'entrepreneur' might not define one's professional identity, the world certainly recognizes the importance of these skills. Hard work is the cornerstone of long-term knowledge acquisition. Newcomers often shine in the long run, as the process of learning from scratch hones their abilities.

Hardworking individuals can perform the equivalent work of four employees, whereas a team working cohesively can multiply their output. A team leader, however, has the unique opportunity to learn and inspire each team member, making their growth potential vast and inspiring.

Conclusion

In essence, while entrepreneurship might not be for everyone, the skills and lessons gained along the way to success are invaluable. Starting up at an early age, as I did, can open doors to leadership, self-belief, and innovative thinking, all of which are vital in any career. For those hesitant, consider internships or volunteering to gain a taste of the entrepreneurial world.