The question that has been churning in my mind as of late is this:
Is college really necessary to becoming an entrepreneur?
Let me share my personal experiences....
This is all just coming straight from the heart....
---------------------------
Before I attended University, I thought that I'd experience intellectual stimulation beyond belief, that I'd meet like minded peers who aimed for the highest virtues in life, and that the classes I took would help me succeed as a budding entrepreneur in the future.
Needless to say, I was quickly disillusioned. (Perhaps it was the first frat party I went to...)
From my personal experience, college seeks to promote itself. It seems that they're only interested in getting you in the door, and providing you with a low quality service that is HIGHLY overpriced. Professors have too much power. The entire "tenure" system allows for crappy professors to keep their job even if they aren't providing value to students. The "learning" aspect of it seems limited to only multiple choice tests, essays and term papers, and a myriad of homework assignments.
As my college life began, I entered with as much ebullience and zest as any teenager would; quenching knowledge and desiring a "true education" in the ways of the world. Near the beginning of the semester, I'd start my classes, everyone would be excited, and the class syllabus was given along with the course schedule and assignment calendar.
For about 4 weeks or so, I'd accomplish all homework, papers, and tasks with such alacrity and speed that I'd find myself with more free time to do as I chose. I spent most of this free-time HEAVILY networking, always expanding my social circle, playing piano, participating in extra-curriculars (mainly chorus and arts), and making the most of my college experience.
Then, the glow wore off and I realized, "something is askew..."
I'd go to classes which seemed to get longer and more boring with every session, and I'd end up falling asleep or browsing the web. Now, I LOVE learning about new thing, but in the battle between learning about Eukaroyotic Cell reproduction and Facebook, Mark Zuckerburg's creation proved ultimate victor every time.
The more the glow wore off, the more I realized that (behind the scenes) colleges are really only focused about increasing their rankings among other colleges, making sure that their alumni donate, pumping money into the sciences and engineering, and keeping their football teams ranked #1.
Now, there are some GREAT things about college. For me, I got to meet alot of wonderful people who I hold dear to my heart, I had some great experiences socially, and I even learned a thing or two about time-management.
HOWEVER,
It seemed that I learned ALOT more *outside* the classroom than I ever did *inside* the classroom. Specifically, about entrepreneurship.
Even though I was taking the important "business classes", I was actually learning VERY LITTLE about how to run a successful business. Nothing I did in regards to academia sought to enhance my creativity, innovation, or outlook for the world. Everything seemed so rigid, structured, and it was "my way or the highway" with regards to certain professors.
It seemed that college stifled my creativity and taught me very little about entrepreneurship, let alone making money.
-----------------------
Over 90% of the things that I've learned about making money and entrepreneurship seem to have come from my own studies, direct encounters with entrepreneurs, my own readings, my own experimentation, and taking action. These were all things that I learned *outside* of the classroom, or even out of college.
The MOST valuable thing that I learned to do at college was network and hone in my social skills. Other than that, you could say that academia was a waste for me.
It was a HUGE turnaround from the way that I regarded academia in high school where I always sought to excel. AP Classes, straight A's, and studying were always my thing. However, that all came to change when I realized that college wasn't helping my dreams as an entrepreneur and was in fact (for me), bullshit.
---------------------------------
Granted, an individual could definitely learn skills such as time management, self-discipline, work ethic. But it seems that so much MORE could be taught by direct experience and just "jumping in" to do whatever you want to do.
I believe that college is right for doctors, lawyers, accountants, and people who want to get a "steady, professional job". If you want to have a high intrinsic value (Keyword in "The Fastlane to Millions"; great read) to your employer, then get a college degree of some sort. You'll increase your hourly/yearly earnings, and end up earning more.
At what cost though? You're still trading time for money and you're never going to end up truly rich and truly free....
So all of this has led me to conclude:
College is great for employees, but not entrepreneurs.
-----------------------------------
I'd love to hear some feedback about this entire idea, but I have some very specific questions that have been on my mind:
1) Is school really necessary for enteprenuers of today? Why or why not?
2) Do schools today kill or cultivate entrepreneurship and innovation?
3) What could be done to facilitate entrepreneurship among youth? Should organizations, social network, or new education systems be established?
Entrepreneurs don't need college to be successful. That's just *my* opinion, and it's been running through my mind for the longest time...
Love to hear from ya,
-AR
Is college really necessary to becoming an entrepreneur?
Let me share my personal experiences....
This is all just coming straight from the heart....
---------------------------
Before I attended University, I thought that I'd experience intellectual stimulation beyond belief, that I'd meet like minded peers who aimed for the highest virtues in life, and that the classes I took would help me succeed as a budding entrepreneur in the future.
Needless to say, I was quickly disillusioned. (Perhaps it was the first frat party I went to...)
From my personal experience, college seeks to promote itself. It seems that they're only interested in getting you in the door, and providing you with a low quality service that is HIGHLY overpriced. Professors have too much power. The entire "tenure" system allows for crappy professors to keep their job even if they aren't providing value to students. The "learning" aspect of it seems limited to only multiple choice tests, essays and term papers, and a myriad of homework assignments.
As my college life began, I entered with as much ebullience and zest as any teenager would; quenching knowledge and desiring a "true education" in the ways of the world. Near the beginning of the semester, I'd start my classes, everyone would be excited, and the class syllabus was given along with the course schedule and assignment calendar.
For about 4 weeks or so, I'd accomplish all homework, papers, and tasks with such alacrity and speed that I'd find myself with more free time to do as I chose. I spent most of this free-time HEAVILY networking, always expanding my social circle, playing piano, participating in extra-curriculars (mainly chorus and arts), and making the most of my college experience.
Then, the glow wore off and I realized, "something is askew..."
I'd go to classes which seemed to get longer and more boring with every session, and I'd end up falling asleep or browsing the web. Now, I LOVE learning about new thing, but in the battle between learning about Eukaroyotic Cell reproduction and Facebook, Mark Zuckerburg's creation proved ultimate victor every time.
The more the glow wore off, the more I realized that (behind the scenes) colleges are really only focused about increasing their rankings among other colleges, making sure that their alumni donate, pumping money into the sciences and engineering, and keeping their football teams ranked #1.
Now, there are some GREAT things about college. For me, I got to meet alot of wonderful people who I hold dear to my heart, I had some great experiences socially, and I even learned a thing or two about time-management.
HOWEVER,
It seemed that I learned ALOT more *outside* the classroom than I ever did *inside* the classroom. Specifically, about entrepreneurship.
Even though I was taking the important "business classes", I was actually learning VERY LITTLE about how to run a successful business. Nothing I did in regards to academia sought to enhance my creativity, innovation, or outlook for the world. Everything seemed so rigid, structured, and it was "my way or the highway" with regards to certain professors.
It seemed that college stifled my creativity and taught me very little about entrepreneurship, let alone making money.
-----------------------
Over 90% of the things that I've learned about making money and entrepreneurship seem to have come from my own studies, direct encounters with entrepreneurs, my own readings, my own experimentation, and taking action. These were all things that I learned *outside* of the classroom, or even out of college.
The MOST valuable thing that I learned to do at college was network and hone in my social skills. Other than that, you could say that academia was a waste for me.
It was a HUGE turnaround from the way that I regarded academia in high school where I always sought to excel. AP Classes, straight A's, and studying were always my thing. However, that all came to change when I realized that college wasn't helping my dreams as an entrepreneur and was in fact (for me), bullshit.
---------------------------------
Granted, an individual could definitely learn skills such as time management, self-discipline, work ethic. But it seems that so much MORE could be taught by direct experience and just "jumping in" to do whatever you want to do.
I believe that college is right for doctors, lawyers, accountants, and people who want to get a "steady, professional job". If you want to have a high intrinsic value (Keyword in "The Fastlane to Millions"; great read) to your employer, then get a college degree of some sort. You'll increase your hourly/yearly earnings, and end up earning more.
At what cost though? You're still trading time for money and you're never going to end up truly rich and truly free....
So all of this has led me to conclude:
College is great for employees, but not entrepreneurs.
-----------------------------------
I'd love to hear some feedback about this entire idea, but I have some very specific questions that have been on my mind:
1) Is school really necessary for enteprenuers of today? Why or why not?
2) Do schools today kill or cultivate entrepreneurship and innovation?
3) What could be done to facilitate entrepreneurship among youth? Should organizations, social network, or new education systems be established?
Entrepreneurs don't need college to be successful. That's just *my* opinion, and it's been running through my mind for the longest time...
Love to hear from ya,
-AR
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