There are numerous debates on the question of whether entrepreneurs need a college degree to be successful. To be perfectly honest, there is no right or wrong answer. We see thousands of successful entrepreneurs make it in their chosen industry every day, many of whom, do not have formal education. On the other hand, the statical data on college graduates working at local retail stores paints a different picture. Regardless of a person’s educational background, it appears that in order to be a successful entrepreneur, you simply need the opportunity.
While it is important that entrepreneurs advance their knowledge, many have realized that learning doesn’t always involve a textbook. You can study to be an entrepreneur, however, many entrepreneurs argue that it’s experiential learning that’s required. Real-world learning exposes you to tasks such as Custom Business Software Development, the principles of influence and leadership, or how to host business events.
Learning From the Experts
Learning from experienced entrepreneurs prepares you for the journey ahead. In contrast, many college business professors embrace a more settled and secure lifestyle than the average entrepreneur. In other words, they have a level of job security that most entrepreneurs do not have. Also, when you look at successful entrepreneurs today, you’ll notice that many dropped out of college to pursue their dreams.
That said, you should study to become an entrepreneur, but studying isn’t limited to academic education. Indeed, you can study to become an entrepreneur by watching interviews of successful entrepreneurs, even by watching episodes of Dragons Den and The Apprentice.
Developing Your Entrepreneurial Style
You need to understand there’s a common tendency amongst entrepreneurs to focus more on ‘doing’ and making things happen, rather than the more analytical and roundabout academic approach. While this approach works for some, it does not work for others. Just as in deciding whether to invest in formal education, you must determine your unique entrepreneurial style.
A lot of people that want to start a small business feel unable to get started as they fear inadequate. They falsely believe their lack of formal education will hold them back. This is not the case at all. The real reward of an education is in its ability to create more value to the marketplace, a skill that can also be obtained by experience.
Education vs. Experience
There is no intrinsic value in having a higher education. As previously stated, there are plenty of people with degrees working in call centers for minimum wage. The only way to make more money in life is to create more value and whilst formal education can help you to do that – it’s not the only option.
The great thing about TED talks, for instance, is that they are led by people who are doing what they are talking about. They are real-world experts on the front line experiencing what they’re professing to have superior knowledge about. They aren’t lecturing from a lectern regurgitating a textbook. They are out there in the real world, getting results. That’s what you want.
In summary, if you want to be a successful entrepreneur then you need to learn from successful entrepreneurs. You want to learn from people who are putting themselves out there and living the life they want.
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