Hey guys, I've been reading a lot about successful entrepreneurs and many of them didn't seem to complete college. I'm aspiring to set up my own business someday, so should I focus more on gaining real-world experience and less on attending college? What're your thoughts?
Absolutely, it's true that some well-known entrepreneurs and millionaires left college early or didn't attend at all. However, don't be fooled into thinking this is the norm or the pathway to success for everyone.
Here's an interesting statistic: more than 80% of millionaires worldwide are college graduates, according to a 2019 report. What this tells us is that education can play a significant role in achieving financial success. A college education can equip you with knowledge, skills, and resources that can help in your enterprise, particularly if you attend a school with a strong program in your industry of interest.
That said, college isn't the only way to gain these skills. Real-world experience and entrepreneurial spirit are crucial, no doubt. You could start your own business or intern with startups to develop practical skills. But remember, it's not an either-or equation; you're not necessarily choosing college or real-world experience. It's often about finding the right balance or blend of both.
When deciding on your path, bear in mind that successful entrepreneurs who didn't attend or dropped out of college are frequently outliers with unique circumstances. Many of them, like Bill Gates, even say they benefited enormously from their time at university, despite not earning a degree.
So, considering going to college, especially if you're still exploring what kind of business you might want to start. You can progress your business idea while gaining a wide range of skills and critical thinking capabilities that could be beneficial in business. After all, most entrepreneurs switch business ideas multiple times before they strike gold. Would you hold off on college for a business idea that you could potentially abandon or pivot away from?
In any case, don't rush the decision and explore all avenues before settling on a path. It's your journey!
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