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My
Student
Prince Frederick, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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As new generations are emerging, should attending college still be consider as important as it used to be when many millionaires and billionaires contradict the need for a formal education? Many students believed so as the evidence of others succeed without formal education just from entrepreneurship instead of attending pointless classes led to such success today.
"Many of the world's wealthiest individuals, including Bill Gates (Microsoft), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Steve Jobs (Apple), and Michael Dell (Dell), famously dropped out of college to pursue business ventures. These entrepreneurs often prioritize hands-on experience and immediate market opportunities over formal education. Some, like Peter Thiel, even advise against traditional higher education, creating programs like the Thiel Fellowship to fund students who choose to skip college to innovate. These individuals often argue that the cost of college, specifically in the U.S., does not justify the potential returns, and that the time spent in school could be better used to develop skills, gain experience, and start businesses."
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1 answer
Sijoy Sagar
Program Manager
96
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi My,
That's a great question. Many students today wonder if college is still important, especially when they see successful people who didn't finish their degrees.
Here's a balanced view:
Why College Matters:
1. Knowledge: College offers structured learning in fields like medicine, engineering, law, or journalism.
2. Opportunities & Networks: You meet professors and peers who can help with internships and jobs.
3. Credentials: Some careers, like healthcare and teaching, need formal degrees.
4. Personal Growth: College helps with independence and critical thinking.
Why Some Skip College:
1. Entrepreneurship: People like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg left college to follow their passions.
2. Hands-On Experience: Some think real-world practice is faster than classroom learning.
3. Cost: College can be expensive, and some don't see it as a good investment.
The Middle Ground:
1. College isn't the only path to success, but it's important for fields like medicine and engineering and many more.
2. Entrepreneurship or creative fields can be pursued early, sometimes alongside college.
3. Many blend both, getting an education while working on side projects.
My Personal Advice: Think about what excites you. If your career needs credentials, college is important. If you are interested in entrepreneurship or creative work, start experimenting now and keep college as a backup.
Your curiosity is great and will help you make a choice that fits your goals. Wishing you clarity and confidence as you explore your future.
That's a great question. Many students today wonder if college is still important, especially when they see successful people who didn't finish their degrees.
Here's a balanced view:
Why College Matters:
1. Knowledge: College offers structured learning in fields like medicine, engineering, law, or journalism.
2. Opportunities & Networks: You meet professors and peers who can help with internships and jobs.
3. Credentials: Some careers, like healthcare and teaching, need formal degrees.
4. Personal Growth: College helps with independence and critical thinking.
Why Some Skip College:
1. Entrepreneurship: People like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg left college to follow their passions.
2. Hands-On Experience: Some think real-world practice is faster than classroom learning.
3. Cost: College can be expensive, and some don't see it as a good investment.
The Middle Ground:
1. College isn't the only path to success, but it's important for fields like medicine and engineering and many more.
2. Entrepreneurship or creative fields can be pursued early, sometimes alongside college.
3. Many blend both, getting an education while working on side projects.
My Personal Advice: Think about what excites you. If your career needs credentials, college is important. If you are interested in entrepreneurship or creative work, start experimenting now and keep college as a backup.
Your curiosity is great and will help you make a choice that fits your goals. Wishing you clarity and confidence as you explore your future.