"Working as an entrepreneur is really exciting," Saul says. "The personal development possibilities are unmatched, but you have to be passionate about your idea to follow through with it."

On His Way and Already There

In addition, company participants say they hope to recruit some willing Harvard talent today--a goal which some students say they are excited to share.

"There's a possibility that the companies will have jobs available this summer," said Matthew W. Victory '03, who says he plans to attend the fair.

"I'm going because I'm interested in meeting people who have started their own companies," he says. "The time is now to start in the career path I'm interested in--there's no reason to wait until graduation."

Alex M. Rampell '03, founder of Rampell Software, Inc., says he appreciates the attempt to give start-up companies more importance in the College's career services department.

"I think start-ups are a viable alternative for people who like to be their own bosses--independent," says Rampell, whose three-year-old corporation produces, markets and sells various software programs. "I enjoy making my own decisions. I enjoy the managerial side."

Rampell's most popular program prevents America Online users from being signed off. This program now has about 100,000 clients--the earnings from which allow him to pay for his own college tuition.