One to two years in college are great, says Lucy Guo: 6 lessons students can learn from the youngest self-made billionaire

The 30-year-old Lucy Guo has joined the ranks of the world’s youngest self-made billionaires. The founder of AI data-labeling company Scale AI, which was acquired by Meta for $29 billion, and content creator monetization platform Passes, she offers a rare perspective on ambition, risk-taking, and the value of education—without finishing college.Guo studied computer science and human-computer interaction at Carnegie Mellon University but left after two years, just one year and eight classes from graduation. Instead, she pursued the Thiel Fellowship, a program launched by PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, which gives young innovators $200,000 to build companies.Her journey, full of unconventional choices, provides six lessons students can learn about building a successful career.

1. Believe in yourself, even against convention

Leaving college at the final stage challenged her parents’ expectations, but it reflected a strong belief in her own potential. Guo’s journey shows that having the confidence to trust your instincts—even when others doubt you—can create opportunities that traditional paths might never provide. Students can learn that self-belief is a driving force in pursuing unconventional goals and breaking barriers.

2. College is more than a degree

Even a brief period in college can be invaluable for building relationships with talented, motivated peers.

These connections can evolve into collaborators, mentors, or employees in the future. For students, actively engaging with classmates, participating in clubs, and seeking meaningful interactions can transform a college experience into a strategic foundation for long-term career growth.

3. Take calculated risks on unique opportunities

Guo’s decision to leave college for the Thiel Fellowship demonstrates the importance of evaluating and seizing opportunities that align with personal ambitions.

Calculated risks—whether joining a fellowship, starting a venture, or pursuing an unconventional project—can accelerate personal growth and professional achievement. Students can learn that carefully chosen risks can pay off in ways that sticking to the expected path cannot.

4. Surround yourself with motivated, smart people

Guo credits her peers at Carnegie Mellon and the Thiel Fellowship for motivating her to aim high. Being part of communities of ambitious individuals can help normalize bold goals and fuel creativity.

For students, joining clubs, programs, or professional networks can inspire higher aspirations.

5. Turn family pressure into motivation

Navigating parental expectations can be challenging, especially when pursuing unconventional paths. Guo’s experience shows that it is possible to balance respect for family with making independent, strategic choices. Students can use family pressure as motivation to clarify their own vision and develop resilience while pursuing meaningful goals.

6. Build a talent-rich network early

Guo emphasizes the value of early relationships with talented peers. These connections can become future collaborators, employees, or advisors, forming a pool of skilled individuals who can contribute to your ventures. Networking is not just social; it is a strategic tool that can provide long-term professional advantages and create a foundation for building successful teams.

The bottom line

Lucy Guo’s story demonstrates that career paths are rarely linear. Even short periods in college can provide invaluable networks, while self-belief, calculated risks, and supportive communities remain essential for achieving extraordinary success. By learning from her journey, students can better navigate their own paths and build careers that align with both their skills and ambitions.