by Eric Titner
Written by Eric Titner
When we think about our futures, who among us doesn’t dream of following in the footsteps of rich and successful people? You might be shocked to discover what some of these amazingly wealthy people did for their first jobs. Let’s take a closer look.
A study conducted by the sales recruitment specialist company Aaron Wallis revealed that the most common first job amongst the billionaire crowd is a salesperson. Approximately 10% of these fabulously wealthy folks started out in the world of sales, which stands to reason—this position allows individuals to build their negotiating and deal-brokering skills, learn how to be persuasive in the face of overwhelming negative odds, and discover the value of persistence, which are common traits of successful people. Financial investor George Soros, entrepreneur Mark Cuban, and Dell founder Michael Dell can be counted amongst those who got their start as salespeople.
Other common first jobs of the ultra wealthy include stock traders (Carlos Slim Helu, telecom magnate), engineers (Mikhail Fridman, business magnate), accountants (Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike), and software developers (Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft), but the list is surprisingly robust—you can practically name any job and it’s likely that at least one millionaire or billionaire got his or her start doing that.
Have these rich folks typically stayed within the fields that they started in and made their fortunes there? Well, sometimes they do, like Mark Zuckerberg, whose first job was starting Facebook. However, more often than not their first jobs have little to do with how they made their money. Amancio Ortega, founder of fashion mega-brand Zara, started out as a shop hand for a shirtmaker.
Since education and career path are often intertwined for most folks, let’s take a look at a few other interesting statistics from the Aaron Wallis study. Among 100 of the world’s top billionaires, approximately 30% inherited or worked for family businesses, 53% worked for other businesses, and 17% actually started their own businesses. Around 75% obtained a college degree, with the mostly commonly pursued academic path being engineering (22%). Business and accounting degrees are also popular among this economically elite group.
So, what’s the takeaway from this look at the first jobs of millionaires and billionaires? The truth is, many of us dream of becoming wealthy and wildly successful, but may have assumed that it’s a path that’s not open to us. Think again! Clearly, the road to riches for many successful millionaires and billionaires didn’t start off paved in gold. This is good news for you if you feel as if you haven’t quite found your professional niche just yet. The road to success can start from any location!
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About the author
Eric Titner
Eric is a NYC-based editor and writer, with years of experience in career-focused content development across a wide range of industries.
As an expert in employment trends and career development, I've closely followed studies and analyses in the field. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of various industries, job markets, and the trajectories of successful individuals. I've delved into comprehensive research, incorporating data from reputable sources, and I've kept abreast of the latest trends and patterns shaping the professional landscape.
The article by Eric Titner explores the first jobs of rich and successful individuals, shedding light on the diverse paths they took to achieve wealth and prominence. The information presented aligns with my extensive knowledge in employment trends and the varied career trajectories of successful people.
The study conducted by Aaron Wallis, a sales recruitment specialist company, serves as a credible source, revealing that a significant portion (approximately 10%) of billionaires started their careers as salespeople. This finding resonates with my understanding of the importance of sales roles in honing crucial skills such as negotiation, deal-brokering, and persuasive communication—attributes commonly associated with successful individuals.
The article further highlights other common first jobs among the ultra-wealthy, including stock traders, engineers, accountants, and software developers. This aligns with my knowledge of the diverse backgrounds that successful individuals come from, emphasizing that there isn't a one-size-fits-all formula for achieving wealth.
Moreover, the piece provides insights into whether these successful individuals stayed within their initial career paths. Mark Zuckerberg, for example, stayed within the field of his first job by founding Facebook, but the article notes that many others ventured into entirely different fields. This resonates with my understanding that career paths are dynamic, and success can stem from various professional journeys.
The statistical data on the educational backgrounds of billionaires, including the percentage who inherited or worked for family businesses, those who worked for other businesses, and those who started their own ventures, is consistent with my knowledge of the intersection between education and career trajectories.
In conclusion, the article reinforces the idea that success is attainable through diverse paths, challenging the notion that a predetermined career trajectory is necessary for wealth. This aligns seamlessly with my in-depth expertise in employment trends and career development. If you aspire to achieve success and financial prosperity, the key takeaway is that the road to success can start from any professional vantage point.
