Introduction

Having gone in search of knowledge on campus, far from their family environment for most of them, some students have decided to combine student life and entrepreneurship. This has led to the famous slogan: “One foot in school, one foot in business.” What drives students to start businesses? Is it possible to balance studies and entrepreneurship? The following lines provide answers to these questions.

Student Entrepreneurs: Where Did This Idea Come From?

After obtaining the baccalaureate, campus life begins. Far from the comfort of the family home, university is a completely different reality. Loneliness, overwork, lack of support, and the economic hardship of learners are sadly present on our campuses. This situation pushes some students to venture into entrepreneurship in all its forms. First, the most widespread practice is online commerce, widely popular among students. This activity, which involves selling items via digital platforms, allows some to stand out and meet the needs necessary for their studies.
Second, some students venture into market gardening, either as a side activity or to build a source of revenue.
Finally, as seen on the streets of Ouagadougou, students are entering the agri-food sector, particularly through the sale of garba. The restaurant chain “Chez Prési Sangaré”, founded by a student, perfectly illustrates this commitment. This raises an important question: do these side activities interfere with their education?

“One Foot in School, One Foot in Business”: Both Feet During Exam Season?

Starting a business to meet one’s needs while successfully pursuing university studies is more than a necessity. In this process, methodology and self-discipline are essential. Otherwise, students risk falling into the trap of salaried work and the race for wealth. By trying to catch two hares at once, studies are often pushed to the background in favour of entrepreneurial activities. In this quest for financial independence, students must remember that they are at university primarily to study. Therefore, education must take priority over any other activity. Entrepreneurship should complement studies and should not cause students to lose sight of their main goal: acquiring skills through quality education.

Conclusion

Student training and entrepreneurship seem to coexist on our campuses. From online sales to the sale of garba, everyone is trying to create an activity with their own hands to increase their monthly income. This appears to be successful, as shown by the restaurant chains created by students in the Burkinabè capital. However, while this reality is necessary for economic survival, it must not lead to the abandonment of studies.