Kris Jenner’s Honest Career Advice for Young People: Do You Really Need College to Succeed?
Last Updated on March 17, 2026 by Bella
Success does not always follow one clear path. Some people thrive in traditional education, while others build incredible careers without a college degree. That idea was front and center when Kris Jenner shared her honest thoughts about education and career choices.
During a recent appearance on the popular podcast SmartLess, Jenner spoke openly about her own experience, her children’s different paths, and the pressure many young people feel to attend college.
Even though she never went to college herself, Jenner has built an empire managing the careers of her famous family. Her perspective is refreshingly candid. Instead of pushing one specific path, she encourages people to focus on what excites them and what fits their goals.
Here is a closer look at the advice Jenner shared and what it might mean for young people planning their futures.
Kris Jenner Opens Up About Skipping College
During the March 9 episode of SmartLess, Jenner joined hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett for a candid discussion about education and career pressure.
At one point, the hosts asked whether young people should feel obligated to pursue the traditional college route, especially when many students push themselves extremely hard to succeed in competitive business programs.
Jenner quickly acknowledged that she might face criticism for her perspective.“I’m going to get in trouble here because I did not go to college,” she said.
She explained that higher education simply was not something she felt drawn to at the time. School was not where she believed she would thrive.
“That wasn’t important to me because I wasn’t the most amazing. I didn’t love school because I was social.”
Rather than focusing solely on academics, Jenner said she spent much of her time connecting with people. That social energy later became one of her greatest strengths in business and entertainment.
The Kardashian-Jenner Family Took Different Paths
One interesting part of Jenner’s story is that even within her own family, there is no single approach to education. Her six children have chosen very different directions.
Jenner is the mother of Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner.
According to Jenner, their experiences with higher education are mixed.“Half of my kids did it, and half of my kids didn’t, so it’s a mixed bag for me,” she explained.
Her son Rob pursued college and attended the University of Southern California. Meanwhile, Kourtney completed her college degree.
Kim briefly attended college but quickly realized that it was not the right path for her career.“My son went to USC. Kim went to college for maybe a couple of weeks,” Jenner shared with a laugh.
Meanwhile, Kendall and Kylie eventually moved to homeschooling as their modeling and business careers began to grow.
These different journeys highlight Jenner’s belief that there is no universal blueprint for success.
Why Education Still Matters
Even though Jenner never attended college, she did not dismiss the value of education. In fact, she believes it can provide an important safety net for many people.
She emphasized that learning itself has always been important to her.“I love to learn, and I soak it all in,” she said.
Jenner also described herself as someone who is naturally curious and eager to absorb information.“I’m a smart cookie,” she added.
Her point was not that college lacks value. Instead, she believes people learn in different ways and should choose the path that fits their personal goals.
“But everyone learns differently. I think that’s what’s interesting. You have to follow your heart, but it’s also what you want to go into.”
For some careers, college is clearly necessary. Jenner acknowledged that professions in medicine or law require years of specialized training.“I think it really depends on whether you want to be a doctor or a physician of any kind of surgeon.”
Legal careers also require formal education and training. In fact, Kim Kardashian herself is currently working toward becoming a lawyer while balancing her role on the family reality series The Kardashians.
The Importance of Social Skills and Real World Learning
Jenner’s story also highlights another factor that is sometimes overlooked in traditional education discussions. Social skills and real-world experience can be just as valuable as classroom learning.
Throughout her life, Jenner has relied heavily on networking, communication, and relationship building. Those abilities helped her transform her family into a global brand and launch multiple successful business ventures.
From beauty brands to fashion labels and lifestyle products, the Kardashian-Jenner family has built a massive business empire. Jenner played a key role in guiding those opportunities.
Looking back, she believes that understanding people and following her instincts helped shape her career more than a formal degree might have.
Follow What Excites You
In the end, Jenner’s advice for young people is simple but powerful. Instead of forcing themselves into a specific mold, they should focus on what genuinely excites them.
“What is it that gets you excited about life and what you want to do with your career?” she said.
For some individuals, college will be the perfect stepping stone toward their dream career. For others, entrepreneurship, creative work, or hands-on experience may offer a better fit.
Jenner’s own journey proves that success can take many forms. Whether someone chooses higher education or a different route entirely, the key is staying curious, working hard, and pursuing opportunities with passion.
Her message serves as a reminder that there is no single definition of success. Each person has the ability to carve out their own path.
TL;DR:
- Kris Jenner recently shared her career advice on the SmartLess podcast.
- Jenner admitted she never attended college and said school was not something she loved because she was more focused on socializing.
- Despite skipping college herself, she believes education can serve as a helpful safety net for many people.
- Her six children took different paths when it comes to higher education and career choices.
- Kourtney Kardashian completed college, while Rob Kardashian attended the University of Southern California.
- Kim Kardashian briefly went to college but later pursued other opportunities and is currently working toward becoming a lawyer.
- Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner transitioned to homeschooling as their careers grew.
- Jenner believes people learn differently and should choose education paths that match their goals.
- She emphasized that certain careers, like medicine or law, require a formal college education.
- Her biggest advice to young people is to follow what excites them and pursue careers that truly inspire them.
