Would you go back to college?

Sales is a sweet addiction. If you're killing it, then going back to college just for money makes no sense. But for learning a new skill or a major would definitely be something to think about.


But given in a situation you are in now, would you consider going back?

College?

Attached poll
*Voting in this poll no longer yields commission.
🧢 Sales Management
🏄 Personal Life
37
BigCheese
Notorious Answer
7
Agency Recruiter
I say yes simply because I never finished. A buddy presented a potential sales opportunity to me after my junior year and I landed it. Haven’t really looked back since. Don’t think a degree or the remaining education required for the degree is necessary for my career at this point, unless I’m looking to move up into some exec level positions that require it. I’d also just like to be able to say that I’m a college graduate. 
Ace
Arsonist
4
CEO
I feel you on there. I didn't finish my engineering degree either but I started my tech business instead. Honestly, I've learned more by doing stuff in my startup than all my school and college years combined. Not paying for that expensive piece of paper again.
BigCheese
Notorious Answer
2
Agency Recruiter
More power to you, and congrats. I think it’s becoming more and more apparent that knowledge gained from experience is exponentially more valuable than education in a plethora of industries/roles. 

Granted, I don’t think I would’ve been hired on to that first role without any college experience, but the degree path I was on plays little part in my current career. 
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
That makes sense. Well congrats and good luck to you too! Only success ahead for us!
BigCheese
Notorious Answer
2
Agency Recruiter
Appreciate you Ace! Cheers to that. 
suhdude
Opinionated
0
Sales Rep
@Ace @BigCheese How important/relevant have you found a college degree to be in tech sales? Similar to you guys I dropped out of industrial engineering after 3rd year to launch my e-com biz (no success there) and have been selling insurance last 18 months potentially looking to transition into SaaS sales. Taking another year and a half of classes that aren't relevant to my career seems like a waste of time just for a piece of paper to say 'I did it.'
SalesHead
Opinionated
0
Enterprise AE
I'm right there with you. Only did one year serious but it took me another 7 years to start my sales journey. Still though, without any degree, I have had a very successful career up to this point. 

Fast forward to today though, and I am almost wrapped with my degree in Organizational Leadership. Sure, it's tough getting school finished now in my 30s with work, family, etc...but going through business and leadership courses after having real experience, I find myself much more engaged and willing to learn as I can implement new principles every week now that I'm part of the management team with leadership aspirations. 

School is much more rewarding when it applies to your actual life. Something I couldn't get my head around when I was 18 years old 
paddy
WR Officer
6
Director of Business Development
I'd die for one more victory lap in college but I'd also probably die in the victory lap.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
lmao
RampagingDog
Politicker
3
Recruitment Consultant
A college degree is just an expensive piece of paper.  ESPECIALLY in sales.  This isn't a career field that can be taught in a classroom.  It's all work ethic and OTJ training.  
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
100% I think that goes for a lot of skills other than being a doctor or lawyer. Most of them can be learned on own without any institution
The_Envisioneer
1
Sr. Director, Sales Development
Funny that you mention that because universities introduced sales degrees years ago. Having graduated back in 2006, I think that's bogus AF, however, as a sales leader on a hiring spree I'm looking for those candidates. 
RampagingDog
Politicker
1
Recruitment Consultant
As someone with a multiple degrees from the school of hard knocks, I'll just throw it out there; quite often, the best sales people won't have a degree.  They're that individual that's been getting through life on their own terms. 


At my last company I saw homeless people come off the streets for an interview, land the job, and end up making 6-figures. You can't teach someone to sell in a classroom, and you certainly can't teach someone work ethic and how to do whatever it takes to get where they want to be.  It's something you've either got, or you don't.   
The_Envisioneer
2
Sr. Director, Sales Development
Completely agree. At my company, I'm working to remove the requirement of having a college degree for the sales development org I lead because there's tons of talent out there that didn't follow the college route. 

As a hiring leader, I look for certain traits. If a person possesses these traits, I know that I can develop them to be world class sales professionals. 

These traits, either you have them or you don't but one can develop them with conscious effort so I will share a few I look for in case it helps one person reading this, 

Attitude - it's everything and determines your mindset. The one thing we always have control of is our attitude and mindset. We are not what happens to us but how we react to what happens to us. 

Altitude - need to have a drive to aspire towards something. If you don't have a goal oriented mindset, you are not going to put in the work and push through the challenges. 

Coachability -  being able to receive coaching and apply it to constantly get better is key. Do you take feedback and apply it to get better? Can't stop wont stop getting better. 

Articulate - whether you speak and write well now or not, the better we get at communicating our thoughts, the more effective we can be. 

Critical Thinking - the quality of our questions impact the quality of our answers. The ability to ask thought provoking questions and learn through inquire and curiosity is game changing. 

All traits one can develop and don't need a college degree to obtain. 
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
3
☕️
The only thing I'd go back for is an MBA...but it would have to be from a top-10 school. Otherwise, what's the point?
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
True. If you're not doing MBA from top university then you are just doing a marketing crash course lol
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
I finished/got out and I ain't going back!

I was one of those that hated school, but loved the social aspects of college life. I also was undiagnosed with ADHD so I wonder if it would be a different experience for me now 🤔
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Saaame for me. Hated school but loved the social aspects of it. Maybe if I didn't go for engineering I'd have even enjoyed it
Nairobi
Politicker
1
AE
Imo college is only useful if you want to go to specific fields that require it such as engineering, medical, etc. 
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Yes, medical, lawyer and stuff. I went to college for engineering and trust me you don't even use most of the stuff that you learn
Nairobi
Politicker
1
AE
Oh wow, what kind of engineering did you study?
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Mechanical. I dropped out though. Didn't finish. But I still carry many engineering lessons with me
slaydie
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
At this point, no. I did the whole college thing and it was great but it is very unrelated to sales so I don't think it added any huge value.I quite like what I am doing now anyways so I don't have the need. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
That makes sense. No need to push yourself into that shithole again lol
slaydie
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
exactly! I already got myself out of school debt, don't need to do it again haha. I've thought about getting my MBA but honestly don't think it will give me much in terms of salary increase so didn't figure it was worth it. Interested to hear if others disagree!
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
You can go for an executive MBA
Telehealth_2the_Moon
Notable Contributor
1
Director of Business Development
I see a lot of people newer to the workforce, get surprised or nervous being out on their own, and then look at going back to school as the solution. 

If you're going back or finishing up you need to be able to answer the question as to why. What will this do for you explicitly to improve you standing? If there isn't a clear answer then maybe the person is looking at school as a safety net.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Absolutely. Don't go back to school to avoid today's problems. Go back only if that's the best path that makes sense. So simple and yet so many of them get this wrong and drown themselves in debt
Telehealth_2the_Moon
Notable Contributor
1
Director of Business Development
Yep, I used to manage a team made up of a lot of newer grads and saw a lot of people that felt the need to go back to school, I think it was mostly for the structure that it provides.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Yeah true. That makes sense but not really when you push through that phase
Telehealth_2the_Moon
Notable Contributor
1
Director of Business Development
Oh yeah, I agree, it's an impulse, but there are a ton of schools ready to take that impulse and sign you up to a lot more debt.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Yes, honestly I'd go for cheaper certification courses than a degree
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
My recurring nightmare is that I am back in school to get a degree... no thank you 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Tell me about it lol
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Legitimately wake up in cold sweats sometimes screaming 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Damn, really? Still?
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
I was a Civil engineering major and hated it but parents made me stay the course until I basically didn't go to class to get pushed out of the school(mind you this was after 3 1/2 years). transferred and took an additional 2 years to graduate. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Oh yeah. I went through something similar but with Mech Engineering
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Mechie huh?!? yeah I wasn't cutout to be an engineer, I thought I would be cause I was always good at math and science but I didn't have the discipline because I didn't want it and saw how miserable other engineers were that were working in firms. Instead I got into the super stressful world of SAAS sales... jokes on me 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Hahah. Again same story. I wasn't cutout for engineer. I dropped out eventually after 2.5 years. Now I have a SaaS startups. Will do this all day long than school lol

suhdude
Opinionated
0
Sales Rep
@Justatitle Are you glad you finished/was it worth the time/money investment? I'm same boat... dropped out of industrial engineering after 3 years, have 18 months of experience selling life insurance 100% commission based, would take 18 months to finish the degree. Considering just going straight into SaaS sales instead.
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Without a degree I probably wouldn't have gotten to where I am now, that said, the degree is worthless and I never use it, you may be best applying to see if you can get traction in SAAS and if it doesn't you can go get the degree.
Annonny
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
I am trying to pay off my student loans right now before I go back! 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Good idea before you take on some more lol
Annonny
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Yes!!! Especially cuz I am trying to go to medical school...you know it's gonna cost a pretty penny
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Ooo. Med school. What you trying to be specifically?
Annonny
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
A doctor!!
Annonny
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
I'm kinda torn tho I wanna be in emergency medicine, but kinda wanna be an herbal physician lol
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
I have no idea about herbalist physician. From the videogames I've played, this sounds mystic to me lol
Annonny
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Hahaha! Pretty much someone who uses natural medicine! Using herbs! Also I realized I put herbalist and not herbal...I am fucking dumb..idk why I put that, I need to go back to college LMAO
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Lmao. You good. But this is cool. Something like Ayurveda? It deals with natural ointments and solutions for ailments
Annonny
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
Yea along that lines. It's good money lol
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Agreed. I've taken a few tablets for common cold and cough. It worked really well for me. The only downside is that it takes a little time
mallijima
Good Citizen
1
Account Executive
Uh, heck no!
Accidental_Sales_Guy
Politicker
1
Account Executive
If by "go back," you mean time travel to my glory days with all my friends- then of course! 💪🍻🎉

If you mean drop a bunch of $$$ for another degree I won't use, then probably not... depends if all my friends are doing it 😁
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
The first one, yes for me too. One of the best years of my life. But that's about it. Degree is pretty useless lol
Austin
Celebrated Contributor
1
O&G O.G. - Sales Mgr. - NCSA
I barely made it out of high school. So…
Ace
Arsonist
2
CEO
Well youre not losing out on anything as long as you dont stop learning
Austin
Celebrated Contributor
1
O&G O.G. - Sales Mgr. - NCSA
Always trying to educate myself. Progress = happiness. 
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
100%
GDO
Politicker
0
BDM
I somewhat have an addiction to getting degrees. And since it´s practically free to study in my country, it´s not the worst thing.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Oooo, which country are you from?
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
Belgium :)

I would put it in my profile as location, but it´s not possible at this time :)
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Beautiful country I've heard. I have been to other countries around Belgium but never Belgium per se. Would love to visit someday
BigCheese
Notorious Answer
1
Agency Recruiter
@GDO you a football (soccer) fan? Belgium’s got a great shot at winning the Euros this year
GDO
Politicker
0
BDM
Yes it s beautiful. If you go, you should do the old Flemish cities like Ghent and Brugges. For nature you better go to Wallonia. 
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
I’m a pessimist by nature so I think they ll get to the semi finals. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Following it!
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Will keep this in mind
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Man Belgium is strong. They could go all the way
Chep
WR Officer
0
Bitcoin Adoption Specialist
If a company would paid for it I'd gladly go to grad school, but otherwise highly unlikely. Not trying to get more student loans.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
I feel you there man. No point in taking in more debt
ChunkyButters
Tycoon
0
AE
I finished and have two degrees. 5 years and 200k later, I'm probably using 2 classes.

I'd go back to school for an MBA....if someone paid for it or if I was being heavily incentivized by my current org.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
The last one is an option. but at this point you should try for an executive MBA
goodculturefit
Opinionated
0
Senior Account Executive
The ROI just isn't there for me. Just shooting straight, I have a bachelors that hasn't done anything for me. Luckily my parents paid for it. 

If I was going to spend 50-100K on an investment to change my life, I would buy a small business or something. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Same here. I barely use my degree either
SlideDecksAreUseless
Personal Narrative
0
AE
this is a hard no for me. I graduated and had a great experience but hated studying. The college education is overrated. I learn way more diving into real life situations and watching youtube videos than I ever did in the classroom. I would encourage my kids to go to college because you learn more about yourself and develop socially, etc. However, I do think the cost is outrageous and by the time I have kids I don't think it will be un-normal to not go to college. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
10000% agree to every single point you made above. I am of the same opinion too. I'd totally consider college and multiple degrees if the education was free like in EU or other parts of the world. It's just not feasible otherwise.
Hudsonsmom
Opinionated
0
Area Sales Manager
I know to move up within my current company, the “old” way of thinking was if you didn’t have your MBA, you couldn’t be a manager. Complete BS, as I’ve had managers with theirs I could run circles around. I think experience far outweighs a piece of paper 
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
100%. Many companies have removed the bar of having a college degree to get hired or move up the ladder now
SalesOctopus
Valued Contributor
0
Enterprise Business Development Representative
There is always more to learn but I believe I have the resources I need online to do so without re-enrolling in a school. Classes are helpful, but I wouldn't necessarily "go back to college" to take a class here and there to expand my knowledge. 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Agreed. Most people go to college for that piece of paper anyway. Not to learn lol
itwasluck
Opinionated
0
Account Executive
I went to college specifically for sales, my degree literally sales professional sales on it. 

Wouldn't go back, 1 month on the job will teach you more than years of being in a classroom. Also, most major tech companies have now removed the need for a formal degree so no point going back to negotiate a higher base salary. Performance pays.
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
1
☕️
Going back to negotiate a higher base as a rep sounds like a waste of time. However, if you want to get out of sales and into operations, consulting, etc, you will most certainly need to get an MBA or advanced degree of some variety to give you the skills and talent network you need to make that move.

Is your degree undergrad? If so, what school did you get it from?
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Agreed to some extent. If you're joining a consulting company then you might need a degree, yes. But not if you're starting your own consultancy. In that case, their experience and network will fuel the initial few deals
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Agreed, I am of the same opinion. Degree is not a bar for me either when I hire
westcoastbestcoast
Contributor
0
Account Executive
Would go back to take specific classes, but not sure about a full degree...

Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Yeah, specific courses >> Degree
dryspongebob
Opinionated
0
Business Development Manager
Yeah, the degree I have is pretty much useless.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Lol, what is it?
ChiefGreef45
Catalyst
0
Account Executive
I could not wait to start working when I was a senior in college. Seeing what professors did for a living was nauseating to me considering how much time and effort was needed to juggle teaching students, as well as continuing their research (I majored in Economics).  

I considered going back for an MBA, but I know if I work hard and continue to focus on getting a little bit better everyday, whether that be physically, emotionally, spiritually, or professionally, things will fall in place.  
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
You could've not said it better. Best way to lead life is through a path of self learning and exposure
AnfieldDevil
Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
What is this college you speak of?
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Tis the place where you spend 10x more money than you have for a piece of paper
DJSpence
Catalyst
0
Sales Director
Anyone who said yes to this question is < 2 years out of college.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Lol, true
BlueJays2591
Politicker
0
Federal Business Dev Director
Went back for my MBA starting last year. Sucks but worthwhile 
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Any use after graduation? In salary hike or role change?
SportSalesPro
Fire Starter
0
Account Manager - Event Sales, Partnerships, & Premium Hospitality
Yes, in grad school now so I can teach as an adjunct
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
Yes thats good. Plus I don't think you would be paying too much for it if you're a TA
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
I just hated being poor and making $35k a year working a part time job.
Ace
Arsonist
0
CEO
I feel you on that
19
Members only

Did you go to College planning to be in sales or what got you into sales?

Discussion
88
If you could go back to your college days, would you still have chosen sales?
63% Yes
37% No
150 people voted
1

Did you go to college before you got into Sales or did you dive right into it after high school?

Question
8
College Educated or Straight out of High School?
87% College
13% Straight out of High School
55 people voted
167
Members only

What college did you go to?

Discussion
336