Career Advice for Students: 5 Questions with Neil Patel of Kissmetrics

Neil Patel Interview: Career Advice for Students

Often the best help for those in High School or College is someone that can provide clarity and vision for what the heck is at the end of this super long road we call formal education. I’ve found out that the best sources of clarity are to hear and receive advice from those that have done it.

So, in keeping with our goal of helping students, tutors, and parents, we’re starting a new series where we pose 5 questions to successful business people, politicians, and those that have “made it”.

Our first interview is with Neil Patel – a person who is very well known in internet marketing circles and in entrepreneurship in general.

But don’t let his baby face and young age fool you: He has successfully started and ran 2 companies already. His School of Hard Knox training can teach the rest of us a thing or two.

1. Hi Neil. Can you share your background with the audience and what you’re up to currently?

I’m a serial entrepreneur who just enjoys solving problems for the marketing world. I’m currently 27 years old and when I am not working I enjoy watching some TV or just hanging out with friends.

As for what I am currently up to, I spend all of my time focusing on KISSmetrics, which is a customer analytics platform. We show companies what people are doing on their website and what causes them to make a purchase or even ask for a refund.

2. Thinking back to your time in High School and College, what classes or training do you suggest for students aspiring to become entrepreneurs one day?

I don’t think there are any classes that can help. Or at least there weren’t any that helped me. The best way to learn is by doing. I recommend you just go out there and participate in things like Startup Weekend. And if you like what you see there, you can always jump right in and start a company.

3. So, a tutor is kind of like a mentor. What mentors did you have and what affect did they have on your career or life decisions?

My main mentor is a guy by the name of Andy Liu. He taught me a lot about business, how to find good deals, negotiation tactics, how to raise money, and countless number of other things.

He had a huge impact on my life, I actually even moved to Seattle because of him. Over the last 7 years he has made me millions of dollars.

4. Did you ever need help from a tutor? Can you share your experience?

I have. My mentor (tutor) guided me through tough parts in my entrepreneurial career such as lawsuits or how to get things done when you are strapped for cash.

5. Any final career advice for the budding entrepreneur in High School or College?

You just need to go out there and do it. Stop spending you time in the classroom trying to learn about entrepreneurship as that’s the wrong place to do so. You’ll learn a lot more by doing.