College vs. Entrepreneurship: Should Entrepreneurs Skip School to Succeed?

Should entrepreneurs go to college or skip it to chase their dreams? In this powerful episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast , hosts Julie Lokun, JD and Dominick Domasky debate one of the hottest questions in the entrepreneurial world: Is college worth it for entrepreneurs? Drawing inspiration from Julie’s viral blog post “Should I Go to College? Debt, Entrepreneurship & The Voices Who Challenged the Norm” , this episode breaks down the real ROI of higher education in today’s economy. With over $1.7 trillion in U.S. student loan debt crushing graduates, is the traditional path outdated for creative thinkers, business builders, and start-up founders? Julie and Dominick weigh both sides of the argument — from Gary Vaynerchuk’s belief that college is a waste of money, to the undeniable truth that some careers (law, medicine, engineering) still require a degree. This honest conversation challenges listeners to rethink success, risk, and the education system. 🔥 Topics Covered in This Episode: Why student loan debt may be the biggest barrier to entrepreneurship. Gary Vaynerchuk’s controversial stance on college and credentials. The rise of alternative education : bootcamps, apprenticeships, and self-learning. When college is essential vs. when it’s just a costly tradition. How entrepreneurs can build a career through branding, content creation, and freelancing. The role of risk tolerance, identity, and self-awareness in shaping your path. 💡 Key Takeaways Debt limits freedom : Student loans can crush entrepreneurial risk-taking. Credentials don’t equal success : Your degree won’t guarantee your dream job. Not a one-size-fits-all answer : College is vital for some careers, but optional for entrepreneurs. Self-education is powerful : In 2025, knowledge is everywhere — from podcasts to YouTube to mentorships. Entrepreneurship thrives on execution : It’s not about what you studied, but what you do . 📖 Resources Mentioned Julie’s blog: Should I Go to College? Debt, Entrepreneurship & The Voices Who Challenged the Norm Gary Vaynerchuk on why college is a bad investment Alternative education pathways (coding bootcamps, mentorship programs, online courses) 🎙️ Unlock Your Creative Potential with The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast JOIN US LIVE FOR THE ICONIC BUSINESS CONFERENCE IN FEBRUARY: www.cre8tivecon.com Are you a visionary, dreamer, or changemaker ready to ignite your brand , scale your business , and turn passion into profit ? 🔥 Subscribe now to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — the go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs , business coaches , startup founders , and innovative thought leaders who are ready to break barriers and dominate their industries. 🌟 Hosted by Julie Lokun , founder of Cre8tive Con , this top-rated show delivers expert interviews , marketing strategies , branding tips , and real stories that inspire bold action and next-level success. ✅ Don't miss your chance to: Learn from top entrepreneurs and influencers Get actionable advice to grow your audience and impact Stay ahead with the latest podcasting , PR , and personal branding trends 🎧 New episodes every week! 📲 Hit Subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you listen. 🚀 Visit www.cre8tivecon.com to level up your creative journey today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.