An article by James Gatdet Dak
Many from our young people would come to me and say things like; 'how can we get jobs or succeed in life when we don't have degrees and have no money to further our education.'...'Or it is also difficult to get a job, even if you have a degree, unless you know someone in the decision-making or hiring circles, etc.'
True, it is important to further one's education in order to have a high chance of qualifying for a job. Have an undergraduate Diploma or Degree, a Master's Degree, and even a Degree of Philosophy (PhD), if and when possible. It is very, very important!
But the thing is, if acquiring a degree, etc., is not possible because of certain reasons beyond your control, that is not the end of the story for you.
The world is full of so many examples of very successful leaders in business and in politics who never acquired a degree. They simply had creative minds! Some started from scratch, and others inherited fortunes.
Can any one imagine that Bill Gates, who is one of the top richest billionaires in America, had not graduated in college when he became a billionaire?
How about Ted Turner, who founded the CNN global media network. He had no formal education either.
Twelve former Presidents of the United States of America, including its first President, George Washington, had no degrees. But some were among the most successful and hardworking leaders with quality decisions in the US history.
How about the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill. He had no degree, but was a celebrated great leader that led Britain through the tough times of the second World War.
Closer to home, we have ten African current and former Presidents, including Jacob Zuma of South Africa, who became presidents without college education. The list is long...
The point I am trying to make is, yes, education is important, but it is never the only key to success in life.
You can succeed in life and even become someone great with positive impact in the society more than an educated person.
I knew of at least two PhD holders somewhere in the world (names withheld) who had become so lazy and alcoholic, and almost obsolete to the point that they could not even remember their dissertations and failed to bring food on the table for their respective families, let alone impact their societies in a positive way. This is bad!
And I know of uneducated great persons who have immensely contributed in the liberation of our country and have permanently printed their finger prints in our golden history.
Educated or not, be creative, principled, learn to sell your ideas, negotiate, widen your network, read, read, and read, and work hard, etc.
Don't be tempted, either, to buy a Master's or a PhD certificate, or bribe a professor to work it out for you simply for the sake of holding a paper with a big name. Not everything big is useful, unless you know how to use it!
Be content with whatever you know best---whether little or big---as you expand it in whichever authentic way possible.
Sorry for the long article.
Don't lose hope and good luck.
Cheers!