The addition of a small business on your university application will immediately set you apart from other applicants.
Writing a university application can be a little daunting at the best of times. Knowing that there are hundreds, or even thousands of students applying for the same place as you can make it feel as though it’s impossible to stand out from the crowd.
Whilst it can be tricky to get your personal statement noticed, there are certain elements that you can add to give you that extra little boost. If you’re pioneering enough to have started a small business or side hustle already then, you’re one step ahead of the game. If you haven’t yet, then the good news is there’s still time. Here are some tips on how to make your fledgling business your biggest university application asset.
Relate Your Business to Your Chosen Subject
Starting a business as a young adult shows determination and self-belief, which on their own are two very desirable traits in a first-class student. However, if you really want to show just how invested you are in your subject of choice, then it will serve you even better if your business is related to it somehow.
If you’ve already started your business then you could be mistaken for thinking you’re too late to relate it to your chosen degree subject, but you just need to think about it a little more creatively. Identifying transferable skills is something we all have to do in order to tailor CVs to potential jobs and you can do the same thing with your business and your application.
If you run a fledgling streetwear brand but are applying to culinary school, then it’s easy to think that the two have little in common. When you dig a little deeper though, you’ll be able to find a surprising number of links.
To run your streetwear business you need to be comfortable liaising with suppliers and customers, so to will you if you end up running a commercial kitchen. In order to create the styles on your latest sweatshirt line you need to be creative, so to will you if you end up creating intricate delicacies as a pastry chef.
Think hard about the business you’re running, the course you’re applying for and the job you’d like to end up with. The chances are there are more links than you might think. Of course, for those who are hoping to study subjects that are very closely related to the world of business, such as business management, economics, or finance you’ll have an even easier time with this tip.
Get Reviewed by Experts in Your Field
If you’re struggling to gain traction with your fledgling business, then one of the best ways is to get yourself some glowing reviews. Asking customers is the natural first step, but a good review from an industry expert will really help you to stand out, both from other businesses and in your university application.
A popular start-up idea for tech-savvy students is creating an online games website and making money through ad revenue. Many businesses in the iGaming sector work on this model and it can be very lucrative.
The other way to monetize is through an online casino model. While the regulations for these sorts of websites are a lot tighter, if you have the time to dedicate to it then there are a good selection of websites that offer professional online casino reviews that focus on the key aspects of each site.
A team of experts will rate the quality and quantity of games available, check that the safety & security credentials match up to the legal standards, and provide a star rating based on their findings. Whilst these review websites are common in the games industry, they can also be found for many others. A glowing review from industry experts is the perfect way to succinctly show your business credentials to interested universities.
Grow to a Manageable Level
Those who are just beginning to start their business will be looking for all of the possible tips on how to grow an online business and there are many! Once your business is off the ground and bringing in some revenue, you may be surprised at how quickly things progress.
In order to keep on top of things and feel in control, it is absolutely essential to make a business plan. In your plan, you should include details of exactly how you’ll keep up with orders when business picks up. Some people find it best to plan this out in terms of hours spent per day, in the style of a time management chart.
Learning how to organize your productive hours will stand you in good stead for further education, as well as ensuring your side hustle remains a side hustle, rather than turning into a full-time job.
