4 answers
Michael
Student
Creola, AL
1
Question
Asked
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why is college important?
why is it important to go to college with your own business and you can get your life together and you can get a job and then go get through your own business and?
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4 answers
Scott M
Entrepreneur | Senior Sales Executive
34
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Hi Michael! It's great that you're considering going to college while also having your own business. Combining these two can bring many benefits to your life and career. Let me explain why it's important
While college can be a valuable stepping stone toward entrepreneurship, it's worth noting that not all successful entrepreneurs have a college degree. Entrepreneurship is a journey that requires a combination of factors, including passion, determination, creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Ultimately, the decision to go to college or start a business right away depends on your individual circumstances, goals,
Knowledge and Skill Development: College provides you with a structured educational environment where you can gain specialized knowledge and develop valuable skills related to your business or chosen field. You can learn about various aspects of business management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions, understand industry trends, and navigate the complexities of running a business.
Networking Opportunities: College offers a unique opportunity to build a diverse network of peers, professors, and professionals. Building connections and relationships during your college years can be beneficial for your future business endeavors. You can meet potential partners, mentors, and investors who can support your entrepreneurial journey.
Access to Resources: Colleges often provide access to valuable resources that can aid your business development. This may include business incubators, startup competitions, entrepreneurship centers, libraries, research facilities, and industry-specific equipment. These resources can help you refine your business idea, conduct market research, access funding opportunities, and receive guidance from experienced professionals.
Credential and Credibility: In many cases, having a college degree can enhance your credibility as a business owner. It demonstrates that you have acquired a certain level of education, discipline, and perseverance. This can be particularly important when seeking funding, attracting clients or customers, and building a strong reputation in your industry.
Personal Growth and Soft Skills: College is not just about academic knowledge; it also offers opportunities for personal growth and the development of essential soft skills. Through group projects, presentations, extracurricular activities, and interactions with diverse individuals, you can improve your communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These skills are vital for entrepreneurship and can contribute to your overall success in the business world.
While college can be a valuable stepping stone toward entrepreneurship, it's worth noting that not all successful entrepreneurs have a college degree. Entrepreneurship is a journey that requires a combination of factors, including passion, determination, creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Ultimately, the decision to go to college or start a business right away depends on your individual circumstances, goals,
Scott recommends the following next steps:
Tina Laterza
Sales, Operations, and Training Manager
2
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Tina’s Answer
It can be difficult to get past the AI screeners if you do not have a degree since many positions list a degree as preferred if not required.
Laura Welch
Change Management in M&A
15
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Michael - I love Scott's thoughtful response and agree 100%. Having said that, I do think that it is important to consider the financial burden of a 4 year education. Here is advice that I have heard that I love:
1 - if you have money saved up (either yours or your parents) for college and can go and graduate with little to no debt - DO IT! the pros that Scott mentions above are 100% true and it will give you a huge leg up, regardless of what you want to do
2 - if you need to take out a loan to go to college, do everything you can to get grants and scholarships. Take a year or 2 and work hard and save up money (live with your folks or with friends). Do everything you can to NOT have a huge debt payment
3 - go to community college for the first 2 years and knock out all your basic classes. Get A's and see what it is you're interested in and want to pursue. Then, for the last 2 years - with good grades under your belt....apply again for grants and scholarships
4 - study something that will really serve you. Many colleges have Entrepreneur tracks - that's a great one. Finance is AWLAYS a great thing to understand if you want to work for yourself, or HR - something that will help you gain skills that you'll need to be successful running your own business.
I think college is important and can give you a big head start....but I hate the idea of a young person starting out in life with a huge amount of debt and a large monthly bill to pay immediately upon graduation. That is a big burden and I would advise doing everything possible to ensure that doesn't happen to you.
1 - if you have money saved up (either yours or your parents) for college and can go and graduate with little to no debt - DO IT! the pros that Scott mentions above are 100% true and it will give you a huge leg up, regardless of what you want to do
2 - if you need to take out a loan to go to college, do everything you can to get grants and scholarships. Take a year or 2 and work hard and save up money (live with your folks or with friends). Do everything you can to NOT have a huge debt payment
3 - go to community college for the first 2 years and knock out all your basic classes. Get A's and see what it is you're interested in and want to pursue. Then, for the last 2 years - with good grades under your belt....apply again for grants and scholarships
4 - study something that will really serve you. Many colleges have Entrepreneur tracks - that's a great one. Finance is AWLAYS a great thing to understand if you want to work for yourself, or HR - something that will help you gain skills that you'll need to be successful running your own business.
I think college is important and can give you a big head start....but I hate the idea of a young person starting out in life with a huge amount of debt and a large monthly bill to pay immediately upon graduation. That is a big burden and I would advise doing everything possible to ensure that doesn't happen to you.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3882
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Michael!
The significance of college education, particularly for budding entrepreneurs, can't be overstated. Although some business moguls have made it big without a degree, the advantages of college education in terms of personal development, skill enhancement, networking, and resource accessibility are vast.
1. Acquiring Knowledge and Skills: College offers a structured setting for learning and honing vital skills needed for a successful business. Courses and programs allow you to become proficient in areas like finance, marketing, management, accounting, and entrepreneurship. These skills are key in tackling the intricacies of starting and managing a business.
2. Building Connections: College is a goldmine for networking opportunities, crucial for establishing relationships within your field. Engaging with professors, classmates, alumni, and guest speakers can lead to potential partnerships, mentorships, or investors for your business. Colleges often hold career fairs and events where you can connect with professionals from various fields who might be interested in your business.
3. Utilizing Resources: Colleges offer a plethora of resources beneficial for aspiring entrepreneurs. These include libraries with abundant research materials, business incubators or accelerators for mentorship, funding opportunities like grants or scholarships, and industry-specific tools and software. Many colleges have dedicated entrepreneurship centers that provide specialized support for students keen on starting their own businesses.
4. Personal Growth: College isn't solely about gaining knowledge; it's also a platform for personal development. It helps enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and time management skills - all vital for running a successful business. Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences in college can broaden your worldview and spur creativity and innovation.
5. Gaining Credibility: A college degree can lend credibility and validation, impressing potential investors, clients, and partners. While a degree doesn't guarantee success, it demonstrates your dedication, discipline, and ability to achieve long-term goals. This can be especially important when seeking funding or partnerships for your business.
6. Job Opportunities: While your ultimate goal might be starting your own business, a college degree can also pave the way for job opportunities in your field. Work experience and industry knowledge can provide valuable insights for your future business. Moreover, having a backup plan if your business venture doesn't take off immediately can ensure financial stability while you chase your business dreams.
To sum up, even though it's possible to thrive as an entrepreneur without a college degree, college education offers numerous benefits for those aspiring to start a business. It equips you with knowledge, skills, networking opportunities, resources, personal growth, credibility, and job opportunities. The choice to attend college should be made based on your personal circumstances and goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
Harvard Business Review - hbr.org
Forbes - forbes.com
Entrepreneur - entrepreneur.com
God Bless,
James.
The significance of college education, particularly for budding entrepreneurs, can't be overstated. Although some business moguls have made it big without a degree, the advantages of college education in terms of personal development, skill enhancement, networking, and resource accessibility are vast.
1. Acquiring Knowledge and Skills: College offers a structured setting for learning and honing vital skills needed for a successful business. Courses and programs allow you to become proficient in areas like finance, marketing, management, accounting, and entrepreneurship. These skills are key in tackling the intricacies of starting and managing a business.
2. Building Connections: College is a goldmine for networking opportunities, crucial for establishing relationships within your field. Engaging with professors, classmates, alumni, and guest speakers can lead to potential partnerships, mentorships, or investors for your business. Colleges often hold career fairs and events where you can connect with professionals from various fields who might be interested in your business.
3. Utilizing Resources: Colleges offer a plethora of resources beneficial for aspiring entrepreneurs. These include libraries with abundant research materials, business incubators or accelerators for mentorship, funding opportunities like grants or scholarships, and industry-specific tools and software. Many colleges have dedicated entrepreneurship centers that provide specialized support for students keen on starting their own businesses.
4. Personal Growth: College isn't solely about gaining knowledge; it's also a platform for personal development. It helps enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and time management skills - all vital for running a successful business. Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences in college can broaden your worldview and spur creativity and innovation.
5. Gaining Credibility: A college degree can lend credibility and validation, impressing potential investors, clients, and partners. While a degree doesn't guarantee success, it demonstrates your dedication, discipline, and ability to achieve long-term goals. This can be especially important when seeking funding or partnerships for your business.
6. Job Opportunities: While your ultimate goal might be starting your own business, a college degree can also pave the way for job opportunities in your field. Work experience and industry knowledge can provide valuable insights for your future business. Moreover, having a backup plan if your business venture doesn't take off immediately can ensure financial stability while you chase your business dreams.
To sum up, even though it's possible to thrive as an entrepreneur without a college degree, college education offers numerous benefits for those aspiring to start a business. It equips you with knowledge, skills, networking opportunities, resources, personal growth, credibility, and job opportunities. The choice to attend college should be made based on your personal circumstances and goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
Harvard Business Review - hbr.org
Forbes - forbes.com
Entrepreneur - entrepreneur.com
God Bless,
James.