Ecrit parThrough fascinating interviews, Georgina Haden, Catalina Ortiz, and Flavia Wallenhorst encourage college students to take the plunge and embrace entrepreneurship, dispelling the most common fears among aspiring entrepreneurs.
Why become an entrepreneur?
Among the numerous entrepreneurs pitching their business projects to an enthralled audience of college students, some have expressed their initial confusion about the entrepreneurial world. Our three interviewees, while all being equally passionate about their current jobs, took the leap for different reasons. For Haden, it has always been a part of her: “I think it is in my nature. I am not just a doctor; I have always had a business side to me.” Ortiz reveals that she wanted her voice heard by the world. As for Wallenhorst, she was introduced to entrepreneurship unexpectedly. An alumna of Innovation Time Genève, she “submitted a project that did not win unanimous support, and [she]was so disappointed that [she]decided to launch it [herself].” More than a profession, being an entrepreneur becomes about sharing your vision and impacting the world. In that state of mind, the three entrepreneurs have agreed to participate in our events as speakers, aiming to teach aspiring entrepreneurs to be self-reliant by relating their captivating journeys.
How does the GEW become an impetus for college students?
You might be longing for this lifestyle when out of college, but our speakers encourage you to jump the fence while you are still a student. Indeed, according to Haden, the number one thing most students possess, compared to working adults, is brain space. This allows you to focus on a clear objective and develop it without the ineluctable stress adults are subjected to. Moreover, Ortiz insists that you should not wait until you have everything figured out, as failure is part of the process. It is human to fear the unknown, but you must jump into it without any hesitation to achieve your goal. College represents an alternative space where you have the opportunity to discover new horizons and connect with like-minded people. The earlier you begin, the more you will gain in the long run. Knowing about other individuals’ entrepreneurial journeys provides a better understanding of the inner workings of this field, which no longer seems so inaccessible. Wallenhorst believes that “talking about entrepreneurship in a student environment could help them launch their own project.” Indeed, it was her participation in the Concours de la meilleure idée in 2020 that helped her find the strength to found her own company.
Simultaneously, you must remember to keep your feet on the ground and have a realistic approach, as “your first idea will be bad because you have no experience,” asserts Wallenhorst. Embracing this ineluctable fallibility will enable you to be established in this profession by the end of your studies.
A message to aspiring entrepreneurs
All three speakers agree on one thing: you must remember never to take no for an answer. Keep believing in yourself, and don’t give in to self-doubt, no matter what other people say. Confidence is key to prospering in this field. In fact, you can make a difference. And as Haden so aptly concludes, “if you have a passion, pursue it!”
Kadiatou Maiga
Last modified: 27 février 2025
