Ibrahim Qureshi:
My family wanted me to join my father’s construction business. But I believed that getting a good education is important in today’s challenging business world. So after graduating from a Pakistani university, I went to Idaho State University to get a bachelor’s degree and to University of California, Los Angeles, for a master’s in business administration. The education I got in the U.S. turned me from coal to diamond. For example, I learned that many young Americans prefer to go on their own rather than rely on their parents’ position or connections as often happens in my country. So when I returned to Pakistan, I started my own company.

Today I am a successful businessman and my company, Raffles, is a leader in information technology in Pakistan. But I have faced many challenges. Initially, no major customers wanted to do business with my firm because it was unknown, and I insisted on dealing only in licensed software. But I kept pushing myself and working hard, patiently trying to convince potential customers that we offer a great value. Eventually, I succeeded.

What I have learned is that, if you have the right intentions, work toward your goal day and night, and don’t cut corners, there is no reason why you cannot reach it.

I believe that members of younger generations should think as entrepreneurs, no matter what they plan to do in life. You can start up your own small company, but whatever you do never lose confidence in yourself and your skills and try to persevere when you encounter problems. Never stop striving to excel.

If before you fall asleep you can remember one or two things you did that have made a difference, you’re on the right track.

Jonathan Ortmans:
Qureshi’s story points to an important issue in entrepreneurship: education. His education mattered in shaping his entrepreneurial path by opening up new horizons. Imagine how many more Qureshis there would be if educational programs actively introduced students to the possibilities of business creation. Unfortunately, the entrepreneurial talent of many young people around the world lays dormant.

I congratulate Qureshi’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination, and invite readers to discuss this topic and possible solutions on the Policy Dialogue on Entrepreneurship, where education was recently covered.