Ten Businesses for College Students

In today's economy, more and more students are facing fierce competition in a dwindling job market. Many are forced to retreat to Mom and Dad's to make ends meet while looking to kick-start their career with an entry-level position. While extra-curricular activities, internships, and networking can assist in the hunt for a job, others might consider starting their own business to support themselves while forging their way into a career. Or, they can utilize that business and grow it as their own. With an entrepreneurial spirit, there's no need for a traditional boss and dwindling paycheck.

10 Business Ideas for College Students:

1) Laundry service - Paul Newman had his own laundry service in college and has always said he would be a businessman if he weren't an actor. Follow in his footsteps and take in fellow student's laundry and charge per pound. You'll need a reliable scale and plenty of quarters. For extra cash, offer a pick-up and drop-off service and find a homemade detergent recipe online to cut costs.

2) Coffee and Snack Business - When I lived in the dorms, there was barely anything to eat at the cafeteria on weekends. Stale bread, underwhelming cold cuts and pasta was about the only option available. Cook up your own pizza bagels, create fresh fruit cups, hot coffee, and other snacks and serve after late-night study halls or around campus.

3) Sell Your Research - Many academic companies, as well as students, will pay top dollar for research papers, notes, and exams. It creates a reliable study aid for others to get ahead in their coursework while you make money.

4) Merchandising - Market your T-Shirt business or merchandising skills to sororities and fraternities looking to create items for fundraisers, mixers, and socials. Get creative with your designs and turn it into a fashion career.

5) Travel Agent - Set up an online travel store or blog with affiliates from Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity and more. Or join a program like GTI that offers your own travel agent number, marketing tools, and booking page. While most online travel agents have the odds stacked against them in terms of competition, market yourself to sororities, fraternities, college church groups, and more. Personalize your services with T-shirts and prizes for their trip to make even more money.

6) Tour Guide - New students flood onto campus each semester. Offer personalized, insider knowledge of the campus, bookstores, best coffee shops and bars, gossip, and give a taste of the local flavor they can't get on a standard tour through the university.

7) Moving Service - Moving in and out of the dorms can be a stressful experience, especially without the help of a professional. Offer help pack up and even move belongings to local storage. You might even be able to cut a deal for a referral fee with storage companies to increase profit. Sell boxes, tape, and supplies to increase your profit.

8) Test Prep and Tutoring - Did you ace one of the most notoriously difficult classes on campus? Market that knowledge and help your peers study, prepare for quizzes, and offer your own study aids at an additional fee.

9) Computer Service - If you have a knack for computer science, offer to service and repair other's computers. Set your fees lower than the local competition and advertise a money-back guarantee.

10) Drink and Ride - Grab an entrepreneurial minded friend and create a Drink and Ride service. Many people who have had too much to drink don't want to deal with the expense of a cab and then figure out how to get their car home the next day. Design a service for students who have had one too many. You and a friend pick up the student and one of you drives their car home. That way the car is back safely and it prevents an extra cab ride the next day.

Remember that whatever business you decide to start, utilize it as a launchpad to a post-college career. Take your business seriously and use it on your resume as a stepping stone full of marketable skills. Try joining a a Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization to help motivate and keep your focus on track. And keep in mind most businesses and marketers are vying for an in to your niche demographic, so don't underestimate the power of your position. Market yourself creatively, utilize your current skills, and tap into your inspiration and determination.