Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos Advises Gen Z: Consider Staying in College Before Chasing Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg Dreams

Amid changing employment dynamics, Gen Z is increasingly forsaking traditional college paths in pursuit of entrepreneurship. However, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos advises caution, highlighting the importance of higher education. Speaking at Italian Tech Week 2025, Bezos pointed out that successful dropouts like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are exceptional cases, not the norm.

Bezos Advocates for Education

Bezos emphasized his own journey, having graduated from Princeton University in 1986. He climbed the corporate ladder before launching Amazon at age 30. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs includes gaining experience in reputable companies post-college. “Using those years to join a best practices company enhances your odds of success,” he stated.

Current Job Market Challenges for Non-Grads

Despite narratives suggesting higher education is obsolete, the reality remains stark for many non-graduate Gen Zers. Goodwill’s CEO, Steve Preston, noted that individuals without degrees face significantly higher unemployment rates. In 2022, over 2 million individuals utilized Goodwill’s employment services, with a majority being those without college diplomas.

• Unemployment among non-graduates is particularly pronounced among Gen Z men.
• AI advancements are anticipated to exacerbate entry-level job shortages.
• Hiring managers reportedly still prefer candidates with degrees, despite claims of inclusive hiring practices.

The Role of Education in the AI Era

Experts stress that education remains crucial, especially as AI integrates into various fields. Dana Stephenson, CEO at Riipen, highlighted that technical knowledge is essential for effective AI utilization. Without proper training, users risk producing flawed or harmful outcomes.

Anant Agarwal from 2U echoed this sentiment, asserting that degrees prepare individuals for emerging technologies. While some Gen Z graduates label their degrees as worthless, STEM fields remain lucrative, offering substantial salaries. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, aerospace engineering graduates have a median annual income of $125,000.

Key Statistics on Education and Employment

In conclusion, while entrepreneurship is enticing for Gen Z, Jeff Bezos emphasizes the value of education as a foundation for sustainable success. As the job market evolves, the balance between acquiring degrees and practical experience will be crucial for future generations.