If you’re a student learning tech — coding, networking, cybersecurity, or general IT — I highly recommend doing one thing that will change your entire learning curve:

Start a side business.

I’m Harrison G Herdzik, and I run Harrison’s Tech Solutions while studying at Western Connecticut State University. Launching my own IT service company didn’t just teach me business — it supercharged my growth as a problem solver, communicator, and leader.

Here’s why every tech student should consider doing the same.

🚀 You Learn to Solve Real Problems — Fast
In class, you get structured challenges. In business, real people bring real chaos:

A client’s network goes down before a big meeting

A virus corrupts their QuickBooks files

Their backup system fails and they need recovery yesterday

These situations force you to apply your knowledge creatively. You’ll develop instincts that can’t be taught in a textbook.

🧠 You Build Soft Skills Tech People Often Overlook
Running Harrison’s Tech Solutions has made me a:

Better listener

Clearer explainer

More confident communicator

And those “soft skills”? They’re the reason clients stick around. They’re also what make you stand out in job interviews and internships.

💼 You Create a Portfolio that’s Alive
When you build a business, you’re not just learning — you’re building a living, breathing portfolio. I can say:

“I’ve worked with over 20 clients”

“I’ve recovered over 1TB of data”

“I manage systems for small businesses in Connecticut”

That’s more impactful than any certificate or GPA line. It shows initiative, grit, and results — something every recruiter wants to see.

🧩 You Learn What Kind of Tech You Actually Enjoy
Through my work, I discovered that I love:

Network optimization

Data recovery

Explaining tech to non-technical clients

You don’t figure that out until you get your hands dirty. A side business helps you find your niche naturally.

🏁 How to Get Started (The Harrison Herdzik Way)
Start small — fix a neighbor’s laptop

Document your work

Make a simple Google Site or About.me profile

Get a Gmail, Calendly, and Stripe set up

Treat your first 5 clients like gold

You don’t need to scale — just start. That’s how Harrison G Herdzik got going.

Final Thoughts from Harrison Herdzik
My journey from student to tech entrepreneur hasn’t always been smooth — but it’s been worth every second. Whether or not you go full-time with your business, the experience will push you ahead of the curve.