[jude24]

Gates dropped out of Harvard? How’s the guy going to earn a living without a college degree?

When you have the connections Gates got, and were in the right business at the right time, then yes.

But for those of us who don't have the idea for a killer product, employment is the only answer - and employers these days want to see a degree for jobs that don't involve French Fries.

[Eric Blair 2084]

When you have the connections Gates got, and were in the right business at the right time, then yes. But for those of us who don't have the idea for a killer product, employment is the only answer - and employers these days want to see a degree for jobs that don't involve French Fries.

You're missing the point by such a wide margin, I don't even know where to begin. Gates has connections NOW. He didn't have it back in 1979. He was self made.

I'll ask again...Is this a great country or what?

[Myrddin]

But for those of us who don't have the idea for a killer product, employment is the only answer - and employers these days want to see a degree for jobs that don't involve French Fries.

A BS or BA with a strong, verifiable record of accomplishment is critical. A master's may be necessary in many fields. It's somewhat dangerous to push all the way to a master's or PhD without some demonstrated ability to successfully apply the skills to real life. Many employers may label a PhD "over qualified" for anything that isn't directly applicable to the topic of the PhD.