As Generation Z shifts towards entrepreneurship, many are droppping out of college. However, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos cautions that not everyone will achieve success without a degree. He spoke at the Italian Tech Week 2025 about the rarity of college dropout success stories. While figures like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg have made headlines, Bezos emphasizes that these are exceptions rather than the rule.
Bezos Advocates for Completing Education
Bezos shared insights from his own journey. He graduated from Princeton University in 1986 before starting his career on Wall Street. He believes that the experience gained during this time is invaluable. Bezos argues that joining a reputable company can provide foundational skills pivotal for future entrepreneurial success.
“There’s still lots of time to start a company after you have absorbed it,” he stated. He mentioned that he founded Amazon at the age of 30, suggesting that the experience gained in the decade prior played a significant role in the company’s success.
The Current Job Market for Non-Grads
Unfortunately, the current job market paints a bleak picture for many non-graduate Gen Z individuals. Goodwill CEO Steve Preston noted that those without degrees face the highest unemployment rates. In 2022, over two million people utilized Goodwill’s employment services, with many of them lacking a college education.
- Non-grads struggle significantly in the job market.
- Research indicates a particularly acute problem for Gen Z men.
- Preston expects job availability to decrease further due to AI.
Degrees in the Era of AI
Many claim that educational qualifications are diminishing in importance amid advancements in artificial intelligence. Despite this, experts disagree. Dana Stephenson, CEO at Riipen, argues that education is vital for effectively leveraging technology. Anant Agarwal, from the educational technology company 2U, insists that degrees are essential for future-proofing careers.
While some graduates feel that their degrees are not worth the investment, STEM fields continue to provide significant financial benefits. Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates that aerospace engineering graduates can expect a median annual income of around $125,000.
Conclusion
In light of these factors, Bezos advises young people to stay in college. The path to entrepreneurial success may be achievable, but it often requires the foundational experiences that come from higher education. As the job market evolves with technology, degrees could become even more important for long-term career stability.
