A senior engineering student struggled to find roles that matched his ambition, so he turned a side project into a small business. He converted an old laundromat into a self-service operation with digital payments and managed it while finishing his degree. By graduation, it was profitable enough to cover his expenses and attract local attention. He is opening another location. The experience gave him ownership and confidence to pursue entrepreneurship full-time.

A business student took a commission-based sales role while classmates waited for “safe” jobs through career services. The first year was tough, but by year three he was consistently hitting targets and earning well into six figures. His success surprised peers who overlooked sales as a career path. It proved that ambition and resilience could outpace more traditional routes.

Two computer science majors teamed up to build a campus delivery app that gained quick traction. They refined the model, pitched to angel investors, and raised just over $1 million before finishing school. Their company now employs a small team and is expanding to other universities. The story shows how students with focus and persistence can attract real capital.

A first-generation college student pieced together income from tutoring, rideshare driving, and reselling electronics. Instead of waiting for approval from career services, he used those skills to launch a small marketing service for local businesses. Within a year he had steady clients and replaced the need for part-time jobs. His path highlights how initiative can turn hustles into sustainable careers.