University students get business tips

University students have been challenged to be innovative and seize every business opportunity they get if they want to be successful entrepreneurs. Prof. Syed Zain Khan, the managing consultant and president of Canadian-based firm, Alliances Consulting Group, said to thrive in business requires one to have an eye for business, as well as perseverance regardless of hindrances such as lack of capital. Prof. Khan was speaking during a workshop on theme, “Be your Own Boss Entrepreneurship Workshop” at the College of Science and Technology (COSTECH) in Kigali. The workshop was organised by KIST Emerging Entrepreneurs as part of the activities to mark the just-concluded Global Entrepreneurship Week on Saturday. He also advised the students to always plan, as well as be focused and committed to their enterprises. COSTECH dean of students, Andrew Mpamo, pointed out that effective communication skills are crucial for entrepreneurs as “they enable us convince clients, make our ideas and plans understandable”.He advised students to always be confident when selling their ideas and skills to make it in business or professional life.Yves Iradukunda, the Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurs in Rwanda executive officer, observed that most young people’s enterprises fail because of selfish and egocentric thinking, poor control or mismanagement. “Develop team spirit as business requires diverse abilities to grow,” he advised.The students were given tips on how to write business plans and carry out different entrepreneurship initiatives.Josiane Uwanyirigira, a student at the College of Arts and Human Sciences, said she would use the skills she learnt identify entrepreneurship opportunities and undertake them without fear.Obald Mutiganwa, a student at COSTECH, said the workshop encouraged him to engage in business. “We live in the countryside, where people travel long distances to fetch water. This is an opportunity I can take advantage to make money if I start a water vending business,” he said.