This article is from AngelList Weekly:
A college degree is valuable, but Elon says…
“There is no need to even have a college degree, at all. If someone graduated from a great university that may be an indication that they will be capable of great things but it’s not necessarily the case.”
In a short clip, Elon Musk says that looking for exceptional ability is a better indication of future success. If someone demonstrates a track record of exceptional achievement, it will likely continue into the future.
The other week we wrote about the best companies for new grads to join, but this week the founder of all mind-blowing tech says a college degree (which you may have) isn’t necessary.
What to make of it?
While a degree is meaningful, many of the most talented operators learn and earn their credentials outside of school. A few words of advice from Naval Ravikant, co-founder of AngelList:
1. What to study and how to study it are more important than where to study it and for how long.
2. The best teachers are on the Internet. The best books are on the Internet. The best peers are on the Internet.
3. The tools for learning are abundant. It’s the desire to learn that’s scarce.
So here is our take away from all this:
Yes, indeed Elon Musk is right on the money! There is almost no need for a college degree to be a true entrepreneur! We see hundreds of entrepreneurs, some with post graduate degrees and a lot of academic pedigrees that should be sticking to 9 to 5 jobs… And, high school “Teenpreneurs” that are perfect as a visionary founder literally making it happen better than pros! So, from what we can tell, yes, college degrees are not a pre-requisite for being a great entrepreneur!
But, we tend to disagree with Ravikant’s statements;
The first one, really does not make any sense at all? If anyone has an interpretation of what the hell he is talking about please let us know!
The second statement is even more troubling! yes there is abundant information on the internet but is it really good? Well, from our take and talking to hundreds of entrepreneurs, yes there is information on the ether but most of it is regurgitated garbage with not much help to the true entrepreneurs. Every clown that can type and have access to the world wide web posts stuff out there, any value? not much, it’s like urine spray from a high speed hot air fan. As we have been saying, it’s like the blind, leading the blind in a tunnel at night… It is really scary folks!
The third statement, is even more perplexing! yes, there may be some sort of things faking as tools for learning but are there any insights on how to make it happen? Not really! Also stating that the desire to learn is scarce is a fallacy! Many entrepreneurs are craving to learn, but there is too much garbage out there!
In short, Elon Musk is right! (And we love him!)
And, stay away from the white noise and hot air of the ether, surround yourselves with true mentors, from the trenches asdvisors and honest and capable people who believe in YOU.