Is a university degree still worth it if you're building a business?

Relatable thoughts! For me, university helped build a solid foundation and network, but real growth came from building things hands-on. I don’t think a degree is essential for starting up—curiosity, resilience, and action often matter way more.

I think it really depends on the individual and the path they want to take. For some, a university degree can provide valuable formal knowledge and networking opportunities. It can also serve as a stepping stone if they’re not ready to jump into business or need a bit of time to figure things out.

On the other hand, for entrepreneurs, especially in the startup world, a degree may not be as important as practical experience and the ability to innovate. Many successful founders didn’t have a traditional academic background but learned by doing.

I believe it’s more about your mindset and drive than whether you have a degree. If you're passionate about building a business, that energy can carry you further than a diploma.

I am happy with my Software Engineer career over the last 15 years, and do not hold a university degree. I was making money from software before finishing high school 15 years ago, then one thing led to another and got into good jobs though connections I built up, mostly based on projects I had built - weirdly.... coming to think of it now, not once was I asked about education. This could maybe be location-based (United Kingdom). Or just got lucky. I do think university degree can help, and sometimes in non-direct ways: learning to complete a project (4 years requires consistency and not giving up!), building up a network, potentially getting those first few job becomes a lot easier in most cases.

So for those at the decision point, would summarise as: get a degree if you don't know if you should get a degree. Don't get one if you are already shipping and know what your purpose for the next few years is.

I feel this. I could’ve gone the academia route too, but the “real world” pulled me in—it just felt more real, more raw. And yes, wild how the more flexible, higher-paying gigs barely glance at your degree.

Uni gave me some structure and good people, but honestly, the real learning kicked in after—deadlines, chaos, figuring stuff out on the go.
Do you ever miss the classroom vibe though? Just for the sake of learning, not the grades.

Higher education has given me an overview of the world, how to go deeper and how to look for information, how to apply approaches. This in personal business is just a plus

The knowledge and skills you get at university when doing a science/math degree are clearly very important for a founder for a tech startup. While you can learn much for yourself or while working at another company, I think some things are best learned at university.

Regarding "rigid system that does not support thinking outside the box", this is certainly not the case when doing a science/engineering PhD.

It is a very interesting topic to discuss in the modern world. I do believe that a degree helps you to some extent, like getting a job in a big company when you are fresh out of uni. A lot of companies have Graduate positions, which require a degree. However, when it comes to skills and knowledge, I think you can acquire the same or even more without a degree too (not for certain jobs like doctor, lawyer, and etc.). Udemy, for example, teaches pretty much everything. I personally do not regret the time and money I spent on my degree but looking back, I do believe I could've learned everything from Udemy too :D

I vote for degrees and higher education!) It does not mean at all that having it will solve all your problems in life, but its definitely make you more adapted to the real problem on the first jobs. The mindset is different, curious, adaptable and eager to get the knowledge. If you ask me, has my cum laude ever helped me in real job search, the answer is "no" but I have never stopped learning till this very moment and have changed industries, companies without the feeling of being lost and imposter syndrome.

A must topic that needs to be understood by masses that a degree may be helpful (if acquired by experienced and best faculty) but not essential for running a business as we all know that success depends on implementation (practical skills + experience + adaptability and most important networking).

Being graduated i have make my aim to become entrepreneur and then completed master degree in entrepreneurship has made me enough capable to perform research over what i have to achieve and it is what makes it more productive when i have to prepare for challenges even after making informed decisions than i have to face the conclusions what that decision hold. That's what life is all about.

Has a university education played any role in your job or business? = Yes, if it involves best faculty and experienced skill development is involved in the campus by already graduated ones and college placement details.

Do you think it is necessary to have a university to create a successful startup? = Yes, reason is only it gives a early learning in finance, marketing, management, and leadership but real-world business challenges differ from classroom scenarios.

Hi @busmark_w_nika ,

Such an interesting topic, and I totally agree with your points. I’ve had the chance to experience both sides. I’ve completed a degree and a master’s, and while they did open doors to a few business roles and some government positions, I quickly realized that these opportunities came with low salaries and very limited growth potential. Unless, of course, the person ahead of me had a sudden, mysterious disappearance! 😅

On the flip side, building and running my own business has been an entirely different experience. I’ve learned more in the past few years than I ever could have from textbooks or formal studies. And, as you mentioned, I’ve met people who care way more about your attitude, experience, and vision than your education credentials. It’s a refreshing change, and it’s been incredibly valuable.

Having had a foot in both worlds, I really do believe that entrepreneurship is what accelerates growth—both personal and professional. It opens doors, challenges you in ways nothing else can, and teaches you lessons that no university course can offer.

So, to answer your questions: While a university education can provide some benefits like contacts and formal knowledge (which definitely has its place), I believe experience and mindset will take you much further in the startup world.

Love this topics about growth, society and education!

I love the topic of this discussion, and thank you for your post where I can learn from others' experiences.

I generally believe "competence" outweighs degree. As you've mentioned, I think the real world cares more about the real value I can offer rather than good degrees.

But in my case in Healthcare sector, MD license (and degree) plays significant roles as "qualification" and "protection." The education not only provides professional domain knowledge, but also gives credential to the product and protection when faced with any problems, especially legal ones.

I think degree and license matters in some other sectors too (like law, pharm, etc.), but I find the degree and license are still just basis to start a business. To run a good one, competence of individuals and valuable products are what matter the most, just like not every doctor with valid license is a good doctor.

I think it really depends, it’s hard to give a one-size-fits-all answer. If we're talking about entrepreneurship or building a startup, then no, you definitely don’t need a degree. Same goes for fast-evolving fields like marketing or design — you’ll often learn more by doing.

That said, I wouldn’t underestimate university either. I once heard someone say, “University isn’t for learning, it’s for building connections,” and that stuck with me. Think of people like Mark Zuckerberg, who started Facebook at Harvard. Or even the PayPal mafia, many of those early relationships started in school or through university networks.

In the end, it depends on your goals. If you're using university as a safe space to start something on the side, or to meet like-minded people, it can be valuable. But if you're pouring tens of thousands into it just for a degree, it’s worth thinking twice, especially in today's world where credibility can be built in many ways.

Thanks for sharing this—really relatable! In China, the university system is still seen as a major stepping stone, especially for landing jobs at big domestic firms or government roles. Prestige matters a lot here—people often chase “985” or “211” schools just for the resume boost.

That said, I’ve seen a growing shift, especially in tech and startup circles. Many successful founders never went to top schools—or even finished uni. What matters more now is hands-on experience, execution, and your network. Still, university can be a great safety net or launchpad if used strategically—like starting a project while studying or meeting future co-founders.

I agree with your points. I've always though for most people university is waste of time. I guess though, it really depends. I never graduated from university but I did go for a few years. Didn't stop me from being able to write software in my underwear for over 14 years professionally. At the end of the day it's drive and consistency that win the race.

A degree matters primarily when you are dependent on someone else and face competition; however, it doesn’t necessarily provide a significant advantage in terms of knowledge.

For employees, a degree serves as a signaling tool in situations where trust is lacking. For those without work experience, a degree from a reputed university helps them stand out from their peers.

The same applies to businesspeople. For instance, if you are raising money and investors have multiple options to choose from, a degree can enhance your credibility as a founder.

Willingness drives action. Resources enable execution. Timing determines success.

Everything else—expertise, knowledge, connections—these are secondary.

You must commit. You must gather. You must move at the right moment.

No one else will make it happen. Take responsibility. Build your business.

I have 2 degrees that don't directly help in business/projects.

Their main value:

• Teaching me to never stop learning

• Helping me find my wife and friends 😄

My experience matches yours - international opportunities rarely care about degrees while local businesses do.

University provides foundation knowledge, but entrepreneurship needs different skills that come from real-world experience.

The best path depends on your goals and learning style.

I think there are two ways to look at pursuing a degree:

1. Getting a degree with no clear outcome in mind — in this case, the degree often becomes just a means to land a job. Once college is over, much of what was learned tends to fade away, and the actual impact of the education is minimal.

2. Pursuing a degree with intention and clarity — where you already have an idea of what you want to build or work on. This path is far more effective and fulfilling, though it’s still a relatively underrated (and often dismissed) approach.

In the end, it’s not the degree itself that defines your growth — it’s the mindset and purpose you bring to it.

Honestly, I think it really depends on the person’s attitude and their life circumstances. In Indonesia, I’ve seen plenty of successful entrepreneurs who never even went to university—some didn’t even have the chance to get a proper education due to financial constraints. Yet, they’ve built thriving businesses and live better lives than many degree holders.

For some people, university isn’t just about the diploma or formal knowledge—it’s about personal growth. It’s where they learn to mature, develop soft skills, and refine their mindset. But let’s be real: those who couldn’t afford formal education but have the right drive? They often end up learning continuously, growing faster, and even outperforming graduates because they’re hungrier for success.

For me, I think I was one of those who not only need to go to university for the education, but I need to learn to "grow up" there too. To see how cruel life can be for those who doesn't even put enough effort.

That said, in Indonesia, a lot of corporate jobs still rigidly require degrees and even impose age limits on applicants. It feels outdated, especially when skills and experience matter way more in today’s world. So yeah, university can help, but it’s definitely not the only path to success.

What do you think @busmark_w_nika ?