Do You Need a College Degree to Succeed as an Entrepreneur?

This is a common question for aspiring small business owners – do you need a college degree to succeed as an entrepreneur? The list of entrepreneurs who have made it without a degree is fairly distinguished – Richard Branson (The Virgin Group), David Karp (Tumblr), Anne Beiler (Auntie Annie’s Pretzels), and the list goes on. Obviously, it is possible to be successful without a college degree – but is it wise to try?

Why Do I Need a College Degree to Run A Small Business?

Technically, you don’t.

However, if you have never managed a business in the civilian sector – you may find yourself at a disadvantage. In many industries, professionals with certain degrees are the norm. In addition, there are certain lucrative fields – like information technology – that are extremely competitive, making a college degree a necessary part of your resume.

Also, it is important to note that many college programs offer opportunities to work with successful entrepreneurs. This is a great way to gain connections and invaluable insight before you leave the military and venture out into your own.

Can I Be Successful As An Entrepreneur Without A College Degree?

Of course! A quick Google search will provide an extensive list of small business owners who have “made it” without that piece of paper.

In some cases, you may be able to get away with certifications instead of degrees. This is especially true in the trades, certain segments of the IT industry, certain business services, the arts, and so on.

A good rule of thumb is to do your research – what are companies in your field of choice looking for in their employees? If a college degree is frequently requested, you should expect to earn one yourself before entering that field. If there are certain certifications that are requested, the same rule applies.

Veterans as Entrepreneurs Have A Unique Opportunity

Military service offers an opportunity no available to many in the civilian population – at least part of your college tuition is paid for. While obtaining a college degree may not be necessary to succeed as an entrepreneur, making the most of your military service and using these benefits can only help you as a professional. This is a great way to be proactive about your success before you transition out of the military.

Accredited business programs can help you learn how to market your business, build a business plan, obtain financing, and more. While college degrees tend to give you more of a broad view of business management, these programs can be a great springboard to help you transition into the civilian business world.

At the same time, your degree doesn’t have to be in business, or anything entrepreneurial related – you could use those benefits to build your technical skills and help you overcome costly issues as you start your business. Check out this list of unconventional degrees for entrepreneurs.