I'm a junior in college and the more I read on internet marketing, making money online, preventing irregular bowel movements, etc ...the more I realize that the real,useful advice is rare, but when it comes it changes the way you think. What advice would you give to somebody that has time on their side...but limited experience..?
Programming. I started programming (well, scripting) when i was 12 and it has been the best thing i have learnt all my life. I got to work on some big projects by the time i was 16 and it was all self taught (still havent taken any classes or anything). And it comes handy in other things too, like you are starting a business? Why not create your own website. You need to do something at work that requires you to repeat stuff a lot? Why not create a script that does that for you. There are a lot of tutorials, books, websites or even classes out there that will help you get started. Start with a programming/scripting language that is easy like PHP at first and dont just jump into C++ or Java because if you start with a difficult programming language at first, you will find it too difficult and quit. Check http://www.codecademy.com/ since its the perfect site for first time learners. Good luck!
I suggest when you are younger to chase after your dreams. It is easier to start your dreams before you have a family or before you are stuck doing a full time job.
I suggest you to study hard on everything that make you interested on it. And after you find what most you like, more focus on that and it will be your best weapon in your middle age
I would say to learn a lot about a business. Then start one. There are young people out there starting up a business every day. Check out startupnation.com for some inspiration.