A student of the Wenzhou University introduces a photography workshop newly opened in the "business zone" on campus. [Photo: Today's Morning Post]
College students in eastern China's Wenzhou University have become passionate in starting their own company since a "business zone" on the campus was opened on November 14.
An initial batch of 36 groups of students from twelve schools of the university have found place in the 1,400 square meter zone for their company. Rental fees in the zone are quite low, according to Today's Morning Post.
Among the companies, the biggest one is an investment company engaged in the culture and film industry, it has 3 million yuan's worth of registered capital. It was founded by Bai Bingwei, a major in venture investment, studying at the city college of the university.
Since 2003, when the university launched a campaign encouraging students to begin their career while on campus, over 500 wannabe bosses have gone into business, and have earned over 2 million yuan in profits.
The student businesspeople also enjoy favourable policies in their school work. For example, their business interests are equal to a certain amount of credit hours, which means they don't have to finish as many courses as an ordinary student.
The companies on campus have triggered much debate among parents and teachers. Most parents worry that making money while in college will take up too much time, leaving too little time for them to get any knowledge.
Some teachers also agree with thus point. "Once the fail in business, such students will inevitably lay more burden upon their parents," said Mr Chen, an employment consulter at the Hangzhou Normal University. "I suggest that college students take some part-time job during vacation time to pave the way for future career prospects," he noted.
Cai Lianqun, an official from Wenzhou University rebutted the claims, saying that the student businesses have much to do with their major. And that by running a company, they are learning to practice knowledge gained in class. （實習編輯：顧萍）