Do you have a degree?
Have you been asked this question?
Who asks this question?
Why do they ask this question?
Education, an important issue, right?
I think so, but at what point do we need to recognise that there are different forms of education?
Our society for such a long time has held a conventional academic form of education in high regard, and has for much of that time looked down on natural skills, trades and alternative forms of education.
One problem with such a system is that we either miss out on making use of amazing ideas and concepts because the designer didn’t have the right piece of paper, or their validity is completely discounted because they cannot recite a list of letters after their name (academic snobbery).
The ability to learn and think in a conventional education system is a gift, I don’t want to discount that, BUT it must be recognised that there are so many other gifts out there, and my message is:
To those who are not academic - You too are GIFTED!
Here are some thoughts on what Success is really about then:-
Success will come to those who have a deep passion in their area of Interest, and their track record in that will prove their worth.
Sales are the basis of every business, but University does not educate in that area.
Universities have historically used text books and particularly in business, those simply cannot keep up with the rate of change, fortunately they are changing over to more online use, but if one needs a minimum 3 year degree to teach, then by the time an educator has the qualifications, the issue will have been changed numerous times!
That requirement to be “qualified” through a specific system creates a “stuffy” academic atmosphere making it unattractive to entrepreneurial talent to want to engage.
While working well with others has become more important in gaining a degree, motivation and organisation are not always part of the learning.
“Street Smarts” and learning by making mistakes and through life experience can’t happen in a university, some of these skills are more important than text book learning.
While higher education attempts to connect its students with business mentors, it consistently disregards successful mentors who do not have degrees. And on that, let’s look at a list of people who fit that bill.
- Steve Jobs
- Steve Wozniak
- Richard Branson
- Dave Thomas (Wendy’s)
- David Green (Hobby Lobby)
- Larry Ellison (Oracle Systems Corp)
- Kevin Rose (Digg)
- Michael Dell
- Rachael Ray (tv Cook star)
- Janine Allis (Boost Juice)
- Shannon Bennett (Chef/Author)
- Mia Freedman (Mamamia)
- Solomon Lew (Coles/Myer)
- Anh Do
- James Packer
- Lindsay Fox
- Oprah Winfrey
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Coco Chanel
- Anna Wintour (Vogue)
Just to name a few!
So let us recognise the gifts in every person. Sure, ask about education, but don’t judge on that, and if you are asked, don’t allow perceived judgement to slow you down.
If someone has judged you on such an issue, then they are not your tribe. Allow them to move on in their direction, one day it may change.
With luv and encouragement
