Steve Jobs, George Lucas, and Guy Fieri share a surprising commonality: their humble career beginnings. All three launched their professional journeys at community colleges, well before achieving widespread recognition.
TL;DR
- First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso advises Gen Z to prioritize practicality over prestige in education.
- Tomasso, who started at community college, emphasizes that it's a smart financial decision.
- He encourages Gen Z to be proactive, volunteer, and go beyond their job descriptions.
- Community colleges offer a valuable and cost-effective pathway to a degree.
It’s a path that Chris Tomasso, CEO of the $1 billion in revenue breakfast-and-lunch chain First Watch, also took. Before finishing his bachelor’s degree at University of Central Florida, Tomasso started closer to home at Manatee Community College—a move that, he said, came down to simple math.
“It really was just a business decision for me,” Tomasso told Coins2Day. “That’s the way I looked at it. Not only do those four-year universities cost more, I would have housing costs if I went away.”
Tomasso acknowledged his desire to embrace a conventional four-year college lifestyle but recognized its financial impracticality. By beginning his studies at a community college, he managed to conserve funds while maintaining academic progress.
“Are there trade-offs to that? Sure,” Tomasso said. “I had a blast at UCF, and looking back now, I wish I would have been able to go there for four years, but it just wasn’t in the cards for me, and it wasn’t a reality. So, I got there in probably the best way I could.”
At a time when student-loan debt has ballooned to $1.65 trillion, Tomasso has a message for Gen Z: prestige isn’t everything—and you can pace your pathway to success.
“Don’t let ego get in the way,” Tomasso said. “I look at folks beyond their resume and say do they have that—the fortitude to do whatever it takes, basically, to put themselves in a position to be successful?”
Strategies for Gen Z to accelerate their professional journeys
From his student days, Tomasso showed a determined, action-oriented approach. He accepted a position at a retail establishment solely to obtain a reduced price on an outfit for his coveted internship with the NBA's Orlando Magic. This minor yet revealing instance highlights the ingenuity he continues to seek in his staff presently.
He stated that this attitude is more crucial than ever for emerging professionals aiming to distinguish themselves. His recommendation: volunteer frequently.
“Make sure people know you want to learn more,” Tomasso said.
“Don’t read your job description. Do what’s expected of you—and then some. Do something else, like ask, what more can I do? Ask, even if it’s outside your area.”
Like Tomasso, a growing number of students are rethinking where to begin their college journey. While traditional four-year institutions often dominate the higher-education conversation, community colleges now enroll more than a quarter of all students nationwide.
And they’re on the rise. According to preliminary numbers released by the National Student Clearinghouse, community college enrollment rose by 4% this year—that’s compared with 1.9% growth at public 4-years and 0.9% at private nonprofits.
Financial considerations are a major factor for numerous students. Completing the first two years of higher education at a community college can substantially decrease the amount of student loan debt incurred, particularly since over thirty states currently provide tuition-free options for their residents who satisfy specific academic criteria.
Tomasso stated that community college shouldn't be viewed as a stepping stone to a four-year institution, but rather recognized for its inherent value: “a hack to get that kind of degree for basically half the price.”