Making the transition from University to the Real World - Going Pro!
by Startacus Admin
Dubem Menakaya, young entrepreneur & kind supporter of Startacus, highlights why the transition from 'University to Career' includes entrepreneurship as a career option and the similarities it has to boxing...
"Going Pro – Making the transition from University to the Real World"
So another academic year is in the books. For many it's merely the passing over from one year of University to another – the workload increases, the 
responsibility increases but essentially it's still the same thing. However for some of us this is the end of the road. The point of no return. This will be the last summer we ever take off!
What was the point of that intro and what does this have to do with Startacus some of you may be thinking (admittedly I just described a process that's been going for hundreds of years!). Well for those of us aspiring entrepreneurs we are the new generation. We are one of the first to have been passionate and involved in some sort of way with entrepreneurship during University. So as we graduate it's a test case of that transition from University education to the real world hustle and bustle world of entrepreneurship.
I'm a big boxing fan and I see many similarities between the transition from amateur boxing to professional boxing. Amateur boxing is usually fought over 3 rounds of 3 minutes and boxers have headgear, while in professional boxing it's generally 10-12 rounds of 3 minutes with no headgear. It is a training ground for future pros where they can harness their techniques, fight against different styles from around the world and get used to what it's like in the ring.
For aspiring entrepreneurs University is essentially the same thing – it's an environment where you can try new ideas, attend events by enterprise societies or NACUE, be actively involved with an enterprise society and generally get a feel of what it's like to be an entrepreneur.
One of the biggest differences between the amateur entrepreneurship game and the pro game is the cost of failure. Just like in amateur boxing, if you lose it's generally not that much of a big deal (unless it's at the Olympics). However if you lose when you go professional it can have a great detrimental effect on your career. 
Similarly to entrepreneurship – if you fail in University (have an unsuccessful startup, don't finish what you start and so on) the effects are not that significant. In fact viewed as a vital learning experience. However if we do that in the 'real' world you could end up living on the street. That's not me saying that to scare anyone, it's just the truth. This is a key component of the game though and should ever be feared. The risks of being an entrepreneur and the ultimate highs and lows that it brings is part and parcel of the life.
Some of you may not have had an 'amateur' career in University – you may have discovered entrepreneurship late during your studies, you may have even gone 'pro' early and started a business that was generating a lot of revenue for you at the time. Well that's where there is another similarities – the best amateur boxers are not always the best pro's.
In fact no UK Olympic gold medallist has ever won a world championship. Floyd Mayweather Jr (the number 1 pound-for pound boxer in the world) controversially only got a bronze at the Olympics. I say this to state that having a good grounding in the university entrepreneurship world brings no guarantee of success.
One of the beautiful things about entrepreneurship is that you never stop learning – even the best pro's still go to seminars, networking events, read business books and are always looking to improve. That is the one of the factors that will define your success going forward. I believe retaining that hunger, passion and being willing to learn from your mistakes and those of others will make you a successful pro whether you start a business straight away or in the future.
By Dubem Menakaya @dmenak
Thank you Dubem, it's a pleasure you writing for Startacus and we look forward to further offerings over the next few weeks. In terms of the subject matter - making that step from University to starting your own business can be a tough transition so here's a couple more articles to help motivate you along the way...
- From Graduate Job to starting her own business - Charlotte Nash of early stage startup Kick Campus tells us her tale...
- Incubate that Idea with the Startacus virtual Workspace!
- From Uni project to Social Enterprise - Celebrate my Library tells us their story
Join the Self Start society! If you like what you see here on Startacus and want to get involved yourself, why not become a member of our growing community by joining for free here!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Want to build an investable, scalable tech startup? The Raise Accelerator programme is now open for applications and will help you do just that.
Want to increase visual engagement for your startup's Instagram account? These tips will help you do just that.
Want to gain an edge over your business competitors? Listening to your audience is an absolute must.
The Clothes Doctor mission to fight fast fashion continues as the innovative eco clothing care brand raises £1m to support further growth.
If you plan on using social media to promote your brand, these simple rules will help, increasing both brand awareness and the number of consumers.
High-potential social impact startups from the UK sought for the 9th annual Les Tremplins by Voyage Privé programme.
The lowdown on Danish startup EvodiaBio and its innovative tech that produces sustainable aromas for the food and beverage industry.
Small Business Britain’s ‘How to Grow’ report outlines how small businesses are responding to economic challenges and how they can grow during recession.
Odd Coffee Company - the startup that's tackling coffee wastage by offering sustainably-sourced surplus coffee, rescued from British roasters.
Tech Nation shares an overview of the impact they have had on the UK's tech economy and ecosystem.
Published on: 7th August 2013
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Raise Spring Accelerator programme seeking applications for next cohort 30th Jan 2023 Want to build an investable, scalable tech startup? The Raise Accelerator programme is now open for applications and will help you do just that.
- Leading French Travel Co. Offers Mentoring to two UK startups on its prestigious two-month programme 23rd Jan 2023 High-potential social impact startups from the UK sought for the 9th annual Les Tremplins by Voyage Privé programme.
- Small businesses need new model for growth in recession 23rd Jan 2023 Small Business Britain’s ‘How to Grow’ report outlines how small businesses are responding to economic challenges and how they can grow during recession.
- Tech Nation responds to the DCMS Digital Growth Grant announcement 20th Jan 2023 Tech Nation shares an overview of the impact they have had on the UK's tech economy and ecosystem.
