Just can't wait.

A group of University of Memphis undergraduates with an artistic bent are taking fate into their own hands by applying what they learn to jumpstart their careers before they even receive a degree.

Senior music major Leon Richardson built his resume by playing the trumpet in the band ‘Rind Stars' and producing music.

Richardson has made thousands through performances and the sale of his instrumental recordings.

"(Former business) Professor Butler explained how contracts work and how to draw them up," said Richardson. "Before that I had no idea."

In 2009, Richardson signed a one-year production contract with Jive Records, a label that is home to superstars like Usher, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.

Richardson said that he could not pass up the contract just because he had not graduated. 

"I know it's a cliché, but life is short," he said. "If you have the opportunity to live out your dreams why wait?"

Richardson said that common sense and savvy play just as big a role as the things he's learned in U of M classrooms.

Senior graphic design major Carrington Epps said that his success is due to what he has absorbed in class.

"I have learned to apply deadline setting, visual techniques, motivational skills and a certain style of thinking to my career as a graphic designer," Epps said. 

Epps started a year and a half ago applying what he learned in class and has since made between four and six thousand dollars in profit.

He makes business cards, concert posters that have appeared at The New Daisy Theatre and Minglewood Hall and has an extensive portfolio with magazine layouts and web designs.

Epps said that graphic design professor Gary Golightly's methodology class has taught him the most about making his work look visually stimulating. Epps also provides his skills to non-profit agencies through volunteer work.

"It is both portfolio building and supporting something I believe in," said Epps.

Epps said that waiting for graduation is not an option for him.

"I don't need to wait on a piece of paper to validate my skills," said Epps.

Dr. Rebecca Bragdon, director of undergraduate advising for the Fogelman College of Business, said that she thinks this is a smart move for college students.

"I think that there is value to taking the skills you are learning and applying them," Bragdon said.

She also said that it is OK to begin to create a future now, but it is best to attain bachelor's degree.

"Continuing to get your degree is invaluable because the thought processes are not fully developed yet," she said.

Bragdon said that there is a sense of accomplishment that can only be had by having a degree. She said career and college go hand in hand, so no student should feel like they have to choose to do one at a time.

Epps and Richardson both said they plan on graduating from The University of Memphis, even though they have already begun building their careers.