Entrepreneurship is recognised as a lot more than a business or economic activity. It has become a social ethos, forming what is known as the 'entrepreneurial society'. However, there is a need to develop effective entrepreneurial programmes that provide entrepreneurs with a supportive environment through the educational system, which may facilitate a Recent Graduate Entrepreneur (RGE) in starting a business soon after graduation. The RGE is defined as an entrepreneur who becomes self-employed within a short time of leaving university, and without having an intervening period of professional employment. The RGE has unique contextual and behavioural characteristics that have not been comprehensively examined in previous research. A phenomenological methodology was chosen for this research whereby the essence of the phenomenon of RGE start-up was sought through five in-depth interviews with recent graduates. Phenomenological research aims to understand human experience rather than to statistically generalise and in this research is based on a small sample size. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with five co-researchers: two females and three males. Interviews were also conducted with Faculty Deans and the CEOs of enterprise agencies to understand the context of the RGE. This research found that if an RGE was highly motivated, and focused, then the RGE had the ability to become successfully self-employed. In concert with the RGE's entrepreneurial ability, a supportive environment was key to success, as the RGE was vulnerable to external factors. This research also found that, for the RGEs, experience was not a prerequisite for success, which is contrary to current literature on the topic. This research has implications for public policy, for the educational system and for graduates who aspire to self-employment.