In conversations about education, names like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs often come up. They’re celebrated as tech pioneers who succeeded despite having little to no formal education. However, this narrative is often oversimplified.
What’s often left out is that both had some form of structured learning. Elon Musk, for example, completed degrees in physics and economics before briefly entering a PhD program. Their success didn’t come from a lack of education, but rather, from a combination of knowledge, personal development, and strategic partnerships. These factors, beyond the classroom, played a key role in shaping their journeys.
At TSDI, we value diverse educational paths. Recently, I asked two young people what education means to them. Here’s what they shared:
“Education is important to me because not everything in life can be learned through personal experiences. Sometimes, you need others—teachers, mentors, or structured learning—to help you understand things you might never figure out on your own.”
“All types of education are valid. However, formal education is particularly important because it aligns with the social expectations of our current society. Someone who graduates from university is often given more recognition and opportunities than someone who doesn’t.”
These reflections highlight two key reasons we advocate for educational access: the transfer of knowledge that shapes perspective, and the better life opportunities that education can unlock.
Formal Education
Formal education offers more than building a resume or fluent language skills. It’s about gaining a deeper understanding of our world, from science and societies to innovation. On the other hand, vocational training is highly practical and hands-on, equipping learners with skills.
Which path is right? That depends.
Some people, like Elon Musk, thrive in personal learning. They can teach themselves coding, business, or engineering through online resources and books. Others benefit from the structure and accountability of a classroom, where mentorship, interaction with others, and curriculum provide guidance and motivation.
It’s also worth noting that some professions require formal qualifications like medicine, law, and engineering. No one would want to be treated by a surgeon who learnt solely from YouTube videos, or be represented in court by someone who skipped law school (unless you’re Mike Ross from Suits and even then, it’s fiction).
The Bigger Picture
When we hear stories about dropouts hiring university graduates, what’s often missed what is behind their success. These people build the systems; their employees—often highly educated—are the people who help bring the vision to life.
So, if you’re assessing the value of vocational vs. formal education, here’s my take:
Both paths have value. What matters most is ensuring that everyone has access to the type of learning that best aligns with their goals, strengths, and circumstances. That’s why we champion inclusive, accessible, and diverse educational opportunities—whether that’s in a classroom or a workshop.
