College degrees and entrepreneurship: How necessary is it?

Okay, so I've been toying with the idea of becoming an entrepreneur after high school. But I've seen so many stories about successful entrepreneurs who dropped out of college. Is a degree really necessary if I want to start my own business? Would love some advice.

It's an interesting question you ask, as there isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer. You’re correct that many successful entrepreneurs have chosen not to pursue, or have dropped out of, college. However, it doesn't mean that is the only or even the best path to successful entrepreneurship.

One of the main reasons to consider getting a degree is that what you'll learn could help you run your business successfully. Depending on what you study, you can acquire technical skills, gain insights into how industries operate, learn sales and marketing strategies, and more. Business and entrepreneurship courses in colleges, for instance, often delve into key aspects like management, accounts, marketing, and legal affairs – all crucial elements in running a business.

Another reason to consider obtaining a degree is the network - both peer and professional - that you can build while at college. Such networking opportunities can lead to partnerships, collaborations or even financial investment in your future ventures.

Additionally, college provides a safety net of sorts. Having a degree can offer a bit of security in the case that entrepreneurship does not work out as planned. The degree can lead to job opportunities in a variety of fields depending upon what you have studied. It can also give you more credibility in certain industries, especially if your entrepreneurial ventures directly correlate to what you’ve studied.

Still, it is also true that achieving success in entrepreneurship does not fundamentally require a college degree. Instead, qualities like passion for your work, resilience, creativity, an ability to take and learn from risks, and an unending desire to learn are often cited as being paramount in entrepreneurial success.

In sum, while having a degree can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, it isn't a prerequisite to entrepreneurship. It's all about leveraging what you have - be it a college degree, a network of collaborators, great mentors, or your own honed skills and drive.