Hard work and dedication often lead to success. This is especially true for young business leaders who have found their way to the executive suite. These individuals are a part of Fortune’s Most Powerful Rising Executives list – a compilation of 25 promising talents in Fortune 500 companies.
These individuals’ educational backgrounds reveal an interesting mix of traditional and non-traditional paths to success. Walmart, Amazon, and Apple are among the companies where these future leaders hold senior roles.
A Look at Their Educational Background
Some of these rising executives pursued traditional educational routes, majoring in business and economics, and later securing an MBA. However, others diverged from this path, studying subjects such as physics, political science, and pharmacology. Despite their differing academic backgrounds, they all share a deep appreciation for education. Each held a bachelor’s degree from diverse universities across the globe. Notably, aside from the University of Michigan, all the Rising Executives attended unique institutions for their undergraduate studies.
Here’s a breakdown of the education of Fortune’s Most Powerful Rising Executives:
- 100% have a bachelor’s degree
- 60% attended graduate school
- 40% have an MBA
- 16% attended an Ivy League
- 40% studied engineering or computer science
Interestingly, many of these leaders did not attend schools typically considered the best. Only four received a degree from an Ivy League school.
Education and the Most Powerful Rising Executives
The Most Powerful Rising Executives differ from the leaders on Fortune’s Future 50 list. This list features companies that show the most promise for long-term growth. Some CEOs of these companies did not see the need for a degree, while others sought out PhDs to establish themselves as leaders in their fields.
Both lists, however, feature a significant number of business leaders with degrees in computer science and engineering. Additionally, many of these individuals obtained their degree outside of the U.S.
The education of the Most Powerful Rising Executives closely mirrors that of Fortune 1000 CEOs, particularly regarding MBAs. Roughly 40% of Fortune 1000 CEOs hold a graduate business degree.
Final Thoughts
The journey to success can take many paths, as shown by the diverse educational backgrounds of Fortune’s Most Powerful Rising Executives. Whether they studied business, engineering, or a seemingly unrelated field, these individuals demonstrate that a commitment to learning and a drive for success can lead to incredible career opportunities.
