An economic downturn, fewer jobs, new expectations for workers — whatever the reason, times are changing. People are realizing the financial burden of student loans and the struggle to find a job after graduation. Meanwhile, their role models are both some of the most successful people in business AND college dropouts — Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, to name a few. We’re entering a new reality, where education and opportunity are what you create. This means thousands upon thousands of people are asking the same question, “Is a college degree really worth the money or can I get the same information and training for free online and through other mechanisms?” It’s a defining time for universities, students, graduates and businesses. This session will explore what this shift means and how both businesses and education systems should react.