Charles Zhang, the founder of Sohu.com and a big name in China’s early internet scene, is advising college students to hold off on grad school or launching a startup right away. His take? Get real-world job experience first. He even admits his own advanced degree didn’t help much when he was building his company—practical skills mattered more.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another "follow your passion" pep talk. Zhang’s pushing back against the grind of higher education and the glamorized startup hustle, especially in a competitive job market like China’s. It’s a reality check: sometimes the best prep for entrepreneurship (or any career) isn’t another degree but rolling up your sleeves in the real world. For students weighing options, it’s a perspective worth considering—especially coming from someone who’s been there.