I remember graduating from college back in the day (let’s not discuss the exact date). I was filled with excitement about all my potential job prospects. When I graduated, there were plenty of options available. I guess we can tell that my graduation occurred long before this economic down turn. Now; however, what are the options for graduates returning home from school?While visiting a friend in DC, I attended comedian Kevin Hart’s comedy show. One of his opening acts did an entire skit on how he thought he was that he was “the bomb” having graduated with a Bachelor's degree. Certificate in hand he just knew that he would be refusing multiple six figure job offers. Months later he realised that he had to lower his expectations having settled on working at Footlocker where his manager was a high school graduate. The comedian joked that his boss nick named him “college boy” and used that term whenever possible when asking him to restock shoes just to make a point. It was a hilarious skit but the reality is not as funny.In the 2012 job market, many college graduates will be competing with more senior, more experienced people for work. In this current economy many students may have to resign themselves that they will not get the six-figure salaried job that they thought they would, but does that mean they have to settle for selling tennis shoes for someone else? I think not and suggest entrepreneurship can be a viable alternative to working for someone else.I had a conversation with a young entrepreneur who was home from school and looking for a job and when no return calls came, he decided to create his own job. He decided to start an online business. Here are some of the reasons why college graduates should consider entrepreneurship:Time: If you don’t have a job, you have plenty of time to explore your options. It took him two weeks to create his website, but what is two weeks when you don’t have anywhere to be.Youth: If there is any time to take a risk, now would be the time. Most college graduates are still young and it is much easier to recover from a failed venture when you have time on your side.Technology: We are in an age where Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are synonymous with the telephone. College graduates are more familiar with the technology needed to quickly be able to start a business venture.Friends: Many of your college graduate friends may find themselves in a similar situation, with slim job prospects. If this is the case then this is an opportunity to work together. What’s better than one great idea? The answer is two or as many as it takes to be successful.Late nights: Most college grads are used to staying up late nights partying and then coming home to cram for their final exams. This behaviour can serve an entrepreneur well. Sleep deprivation in most cases is a prerequisite for new start up entrepreneurs because 24 hours in a day is sometimes not enough.Life experience: In College there is a decided curriculum. You cover the material, study, take the test and hopefully pass. In life, there is no such curriculum. You have to be able to go with the flow and be prepared to change when life says you have to. This is best learned when you live and is not taught by any professor I know. Experience is just as valuable, if not more valuable in some cases as the certificate that bears your full name and degree.Jamillah Lodge is a business development officer for Bermuda Economic Development Corporation. She specialises in providing aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with business development advice and loan guarantee assistance. In addition, she manages the marketing and communications plan for the Corporation and oversees the development of a mentorship and youth entrepreneurship programme. She has a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and should serve a general guide and should not be considered as replacement advice from a lawyer, accountant or other professional service provider. Readers should consult with the appropriate professionals as necessary.If you have questions about starting a business in Bermuda, just ask BEDC: e-mail us at info@bsbdc.bm or call 292-5570.