The reason Warren Buffet was rejected by Harvard is still legendary

(Dan Tri) - Warren Buffett's journey to building an investment empire was shaped by a solid educational foundation, perseverance and sharp business instincts.

Despite being rejected by Harvard Business School (USA), Warren Buffet still persistently pursued and learned the classic value investing philosophy of Benjamin Graham at Columbia Business School. It was this foundation that helped him turn Berkshire Hathaway into a powerful global corporation.

The shock of being rejected by Harvard

Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett is a symbol of shrewd investing and long-term financial strategy. As of November, his net worth was around $150 billion. However, his journey from a curious boy in Omaha to a legendary status in the investment world is not only a story of innate talent, but also a clear testament to the power of education and the spirit of continuous learning.

Warren Buffett - "The Oracle of Omaha" (Photo: CNBC).

Warren Buffett’s passion for business began early. At age seven, he borrowed a copy of “One Thousand Ways to Make $1,000” from the Omaha Public Library. Buffett continued to try his hand at small business ventures, selling gum, soda, magazines door-to-door, delivering newspapers, and even installing pinball machines in barbershops.

He was exposed to the stock market early through his father's work and by the age of 11, he had bought his first stock for himself and his sister. By the time he graduated from high school, Buffett had accumulated $9,800. Those early experiences laid a solid foundation for his disciplined investing style and sustainable financial vision later on.

In 1947, following his father's advice, Warren Buffett enrolled at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, despite his early interest in personal business ventures. Two years later, he transferred to the University of Nebraska, graduating at the age of 20 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Investment Management.

However, Buffett's journey to elite business education was not easy. In 1950, he was flatly rejected by Harvard Business School. Instead of being discouraged, Buffett applied to Columbia Business School after learning that Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing, was teaching there. This bold decision changed his entire career. Columbia offered him the opportunity to learn directly from the teacher who shaped his entire investment philosophy.

In 1951, Buffett received a master's degree in Economics from Columbia and continued his education at the New York Institute of Finance.

Global leadership position

Warren Buffett began his career by seriously applying the principles he learned from Benjamin Graham. In 1956, he founded Buffett Partnership, the investment partnership that laid the foundation for his financial empire. By 1965, Buffett had gained control of Berkshire Hathaway and transformed the struggling textile business into a diversified investment conglomerate.

Over the decades, he has built Berkshire Hathaway into a global investment giant. He is known for his disciplined value investing, long-term vision, and modest lifestyle despite his vast wealth. His education, from Nebraska to Columbia, has always been a pillar of his systematic and sustainable investment approach.

Buffett's story shows the power of education when combined with curiosity and perseverance. Even when faced with setbacks like being rejected from Harvard, he remained undaunted.

Instead, Buffett actively sought out knowledge in the most appropriate environments, partnering with mentors and organizations that helped him hone his skills. For students and professionals, Buffett’s journey is a valuable reminder that education is not only a path to personal development, but also an important tool for shaping a career and creating a lasting legacy.

Kieu Yen

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/ly-do-warren-buffet-bi-harvard-tu-choi-van-tro-thanh-huyen-thoai-20251113220725579.htm