Beginning of a Journey…

[live4da206]

For most of my life I have daydreamed of the innovation processes, the underpaid time consumption, pitch after pitch after pitch, the development of a noteworthy team, and the title of Entrepreneur. I have spent much of my college career deliberating on where to take my life, while vicariously living through magazines and newspapers. I believe I have reached the point where I am satisfied with my own creativity and deeply believe in my ability to lead and reason through the unforeseen challenges that face all of us. I have a couple of business ideas that I believe I could make an honest living on, and one idea that stands above the rest. And so, in this stage of my life I’ve run into a question.This question may come across as abstract, but has been consuming much of my thought as of late. I am currently a junior in college and am beginning to wonder how important all of this is. My question is, how important is a degree from college when wanting to be an entrepreneur (i.e. does it help with investors), and would it be more beneficial to have a BA of entrepreneurship or BA in another mind-broadening major?

I do understand that a degree will not guarantee any further success nor will it come up with any amazing ideas. I do think I have the innovation to do it without any further schooling, but more am wondering if after reaching the point of knowing your idea can and will become something does it become beneficial to finish with an entrepreneurial degree?

[TaraYE]

Hello!

First, let me welcome you to the YE community!

I invite you check out the following thread here on the forum, regarding a similar question about college: Is College Worth It?

Also, keep checking the blog - we have a new post coming out soon that addresses the question, "Is college necessary?".

Good luck!

Tara

[Chasing Miracles]

As a seasoned veteran of the business world, I have spent much of that time working within the Corporate structure. Today as an new entrepreeur I have earned a level of confidence that comes from trial and errors of the past. Without a degree in my hands, I would not have been accepted in the Corporate community to earn my strips. So yes, college is certainly worth the investment. Mircles don't happen overnight.

[kameron]

Its all a matter of perspective really. I was initially an electrician. Got involved in the network marketing industry after stumbling around and deciding not to take the brick and mortar business approach.

I have found that finding and learning from those who HAVE what you desire is the key.

I turned my home business into profit in as little as 4 months leveraging the tools, training and strategies pin pointed to me by other successful entrepreneurs.

I had my first Multiple 5 figure month after 4 months. ($20 000) and have no degree, no prior business experience. Just the willingness to learn and adapt and implement the exact strategies, and business plans that i have pin pointed through reverse engineering of those individuals who have accomplished what i desire.

My take on school and business degrees in college are slightly different than most.

The whole point of being an entrepreneur is to be self sufficient, and be collecting on profits rather then paychecks.

The professors and teachers presenting in university are essentially collecting paycheques. How are they teaching you how to be an entrepreneur? They are not even entrepreneurs themselves....

My advice is to get the information straight from the horses mouth. Find out what a given entrepreneur has accomplished. Call them up arrange a meeting. See how they did it, what it took, the approach they took. What tools, training, or courses THEY would recommend.

Education is a KEY factor in developing value to offer others and build a business around. BUT my question is what value is a university going to teach u that u cannot learn on your own?

I do believe that a lot of the stuff covered in the schools and courses are important viable information do not get me wrong. However where do most people end up with their MBA?

I have a few close friends who since school have ended up simply managing establishments. once again, collecting a paycheck rather then collecting profits like a business owner.


I Believe that EDUCATION is key. However I believe there to be more then enough information, books, courses and training available outside of the "governed establishments". These universities where you would get your hands on a degree MBA ect. are essentially a business themselves. selling education to you, the consumer.

The question in my mind seems to be, how important is that piece of paper to you?

Contrary to what most will Tell you. Knowledge is only POTENTIAL power. Unless backed with massive action, what good is knowledge?

thats my 2cents.

[sguilliard]

I have to agree somewhat with Kameron, the college education will get you only so far or nowhere at all. What will make you successful has nothing to do with a college degree.

You only have to look at numerous successful entrepreneurs who had virtually no 'formal' education, but have thrived in business. At the end of the day, what do you want to be concerned with more, being entrepreneurial or managing the day-to-day finances of your business? The latter is obviously important, but cannot exist without the former.

If you also subscribe to the notion that your network equals your net-worth, the college professors should be ignored! Ok, I'm being flippant, but my point is that there is no better education in business than going out there and getting your hands dirty; the classroom cannot prepare you for much more than administration, and at the end of the day, if you're a successful entrepreneur or aspire to be one, why would you burden your creative entrepreneurial genius with humdrum matters such as admin when you can pay someone else to do it?