The Case Studies of Student Entrepreneurs

An entrepreneur acts as a hero in the drama of economic development. Developed countries are moving from ‘managerial’ to ‘entrepreneurial’ economies. India, as an emerging economy with increasing unemployment problem has forced Indian policy-makers to explore and ensure that entrepreneurship is embraced as a career choice, to lead students towards self-employment. Getting into entrepreneurship is an activity during college life not only enhances students ’success academically, but also strengthens their confidence and instills the qualities conducive to succeed in life after their graduation. ‘Student entrepreneurs’ gain hands-on experience along with their education. The attitude of an individual to get involved in the field of economic self-help is driven by a number of factors that can be categorized as ‘Need Based’ or ‘Opportunity Based’. The ‘Opportunity Based’ Entrepreneur is the one who spots a ‘market’ opportunity and takes it, while the ‘Need’ based refers to the one who has taken up self-employment as the option for work.

The cases illustrated in the paper are of student entrepreneurs from Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Institute of Management. Kolhapur, (BVDUIMK)(Maharashtra). The paper addresses the environment, the challenges which segregated them as need based and opportunity based entrepreneurs. Each case highlights the typical characteristics of the student entrepreneur who have faced barriers while charting their paths. The cases may inspire other students to take up entrepreneurship as career option. It will inspire higher education sector as well, to explore its energies towards nurturing into ‘student startups’.