Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has acknowledged feeling some regret over his decision to leave Harvard University in 1975 to become Microsoft’s first CEO, despite the immense success that followed.
Reflecting on his time at the university, he expressed a sense of nostalgia for the intellectually enriching environment he had to leave behind.
In his memoir Source Code, Gates shared that he had always planned to return to Harvard to complete his degree, as he deeply valued the academic experience. Speaking to CNBC Make It, he recalled, “I enjoyed Harvard.
I enjoyed the classes, including some that I just sat in on—psychology, economics, history. I loved being surrounded by smart people. We could stay up late, having fascinating discussions.”
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How Bill Gates’ high school vision led to the birth of Microsoft
Back in high school, Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates had a vision that saw the potential of computers which needed microprocessors that would make it portable, cheaper & thinner in coming times.
His college friend Paul Allen who became the other Co-Founder at Microsoft decided during Christmas Break in 1974 to make a software that would make hobbyists create their own programs on Altair.
This led to the most significant decision of Gates and Allen's life where they chose to drop out of college and bring Microsoft to the world.
Bill Gates’ tough choice: Leaving Harvard to build Microsoft
Balancing academic work and running Microsoft was never easy for Gates but he made that attempt for 2 years.
The leadership delegation attempt with one of Microsoft Programmer Ric Weiland didn't work as he opted out to go for graduate school.
However, this led him to take full control over Microsoft and leave Harvard permanently. He felt the need to invest in Microsoft fully and get the work done with utmost intensity.
Microsoft is a well-known revolution in the technology world that Gates made from startup to a Multinational tech giant.
Over Bill Gates' exit from Harvard, his professor Harry Lewis admitted to having some regrets. “I wasn’t surprised when he dropped out," he said. "I just wish I’d invested in him.” Furthermore, Lewis applauded that Gates was always prone to taking challenges as per ET Reports.
