> I have a professor who has told me that starting a company as early as possible is the best way to both progress in the business world, as well as financially

> I have a professor who has told me that starting a company as early as possible is the best way to both progress in the business world, as well as financially and in terms of experience. That's only true if the starter has a clear idea what kind of company to start, a passion to solve a specific problem, and has some idea how business works. Just starting a company, with nothing specific in mind, is a bad idea. > putting myself out there in such a competitive market terrifies me, especially because I know nothing about how to run a small business. So learn how to do that. Also find out what applications already exist that do what yours does -- see what your competition is and learn how to set your product apart. There is nothing so common as someone who has a good idea for a product but no understanding of business, who tries to start a company but ends up not giving his idea a fair chance. > Or am I being far to melodramatic about my future to think that one idea cab determine the outcome of what may very well be the rest of my life. Yes, that's melodramatic. Chances are you will have many ideas, not just one, and you shouldn't think of this one idea as crucial to your entire life. Right now you're thinking this idea is your future. Ten years from now you will hopefully have learned that you are your future.