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Who are the wealthiest people who never finished college?

So, apparently quite a few of the world's richest people don't have college degrees. Do you guys know who some of these people are, and what fields they ended up becoming successful in? Are there any patterns or common factors between these individuals that helped them succeed without a degree? Hoping to get some insight as I consider my own future.

a year ago

Consider the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg. Gates famously dropped out of Harvard to co-found Microsoft, and both Jobs and Zuckerberg (who dropped out of Reed College and Harvard respectively) also found immense success in the tech industry. The same goes for Larry Ellison, co-founder of the software company Oracle, who dropped out of the University of Chicago.

Another big name would be Richard Branson, who left school at 15 and started Virgin Records at 22. He's now a serial entrepreneur with ventures in a range of fields, from airlines to space travel.

In fashion, the late Franco Moschino, the iconic name behind Moschino fashion house, also didn't have a collegiate degree. Ray Kroc, who turned McDonald's into a global giant, is another example in the world of fast food.

One pattern that seems to emerge among these folks is their entrepreneurial spirit. They had a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve, and were not afraid of taking risks to turn their ideas into reality. A lot of them also started their journeys fairly early – even during their time in college, which possibly gave them a head start.

However, it's crucial to remember that these individuals are exceptions rather than the rule. While they've indeed achieved extraordinary success, it doesn’t necessarily mean skipping college is a straight path to wealth or a guarantee of achievement. Most successful people do hold a college degree and having an education gives you a set of skills and a broader network that can be immensely valuable. It also generally grants you more options, making it easier for you to change your career path down the line if you want to. Everyone's journey is unique, and it's all about finding what appeals most to you and aligns with your values and goals.

a year ago

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