A degree from a large, well-known university does not always ensure success. Many people who choose not to pursue formal or traditional schooling are still able to make an incredible mark in their respective careers. Don’t believe it? Check out this list of seven well-known personalities who have carved a niche for themselves with the help of online modes of education to support their journey.
Also read, Why Online Learning Is the Best Way for Education.
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg, a well-known figure in Hollywood, struggled through school. He quit school to pursue his passion for filmmaking. Spielberg, did, however, use online resources to finish his studies. In 2002, he graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a BA in Film Production and Electronic Arts. He effortlessly completed his degree while simultaneously achieving his goals. The film director is responsible for cinematic masterpieces like Schindler’s List, ET, Jaws, and Jurassic Park. His films have set astronomical box office records. Spielberg has a net worth of $3.3 billion.
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela, the well-known Nobel Prize laureate, has a distinctive academic journey. He completed his undergraduate studies via distance learning. Mandela worked as a legal clerk in Johannesburg when he was a student. He would email his assignments to the University of Africa and receive feedback from his professors on how to improve them. Nelson Mandela continued to study while in prison while fighting the apartheid regime! Through this training, he earned a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of London. He was freed from prison after serving a sentence of 27 years. He eventually rose to the position of President and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Venus Williams
Venus Williams, tennis champion and the proprietor of her designer clothing brand, is another well-known figure with an online degree. She enrolled in an Indiana University East online course to earn a BS in Business Administration. While pursuing a glittering career as a tennis star and entrepreneur, she also earned a bachelor’s degree. This is a remarkable illustration of a successful person who pursued education online to fulfil their academic goals despite having a busy professional life.
Also, read Personalised Online Education – Solution for Young Athletes.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, one of the best basketball players of all time, once left his junior year of college to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. He did, however, keep his word that he will revisit his mother someday. In 2000, he enrolled in a distance learning BA course at LSU — but he didn’t stop there. In 2005, he signed up for an online MBA program offered by the University of Phoenix. It’s interesting that Barry University also awarded him a PhD in leadership and education.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Schwarzenegger, an all-around actor, best known for his parts in The Terminator, Total Recall, and Predator, has had an incredible academic path and is a starry addition to the list of successful individuals with online degrees. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin’s distance learning program with a BA in Business and International Economics in 1979.
James Franco
Franco, renowned for his astounding performances in Pineapple Express, Spider-Man, 127 Hours, and similar others, is yet another Hollywood star with an online degree. Franco has a fascinating, instructive story. He left school in his first year. He went to UCLA in 2006 to earn his BA. Later, he pursued a writing degree at Columbia University’s graduate school. He enrolled in numerous universities, including Brooklyn College and Warren Wilson College, for his studies in writing fiction and poetry, respectively. He holds two PhDs, one in literature and creative writing from the University of Houston and the other in English from Yale University. That’s multiple prestigious degrees – all achieved remotely!
Marcia Cross
Marcia Cross, who rose to fame for her part in “Desperate Housewives,” completed online classes through Antioch University. While filming for shows like Spin City, CSI, Melrose Place, and many more, she earned a master’s degree in psychology. She enrolled in the courses between 1997 and 2003, at the peak of her career.We hope you are convinced that online degrees can considerably enhance your academic cred and set you up for set just as well as conventional degrees. These were only some examples. Pandemic or no pandemic, the online learning community is evolving and growing at a much faster pace than ever before, making it the place to be in 2023. Learn more here.
