Is UCL the place for self-employed millionaires?

A recent investigation by The Daily Telegraph has revealed that UCL possesses the highest percentage of self-employed undergraduates among the UK’s top ten universities. With 2.4% of the ‘Class of 2011’ currently doing their own tax returns, UCL beat the two provincial backwaters and the Strand Poly to top spot.

While 2.4% may seem like a fairly low percentage, it is worth bearing in mind that it requires a vast array of contacts and good networking to be your own boss at such a young age. That UCL has delivered a figure higher than both Oxford, which has recently seen a spate of graduates establish themselves in the Silicon Valley, and Cambridge, with their very large funding, is testament to the opportunities offered to UCL students. That UCL delivered a figure higher than King's did is simply a matter of course.

Further Telegraph research revealed that the University of London (so, yes, credit is owed to King's as well for this) has educated 10.9% of the British millionaires who attended university, ahead again of fellow Golden Triangle institutions Oxford and Cambridge. Such a statistic seemingly tallies with UCL’s reputation for encouraging entrepreneurship and developing potential business ideas. To bring in yet another Telegraph investigation, 49 per cent of last year's 3,775 first year UCL undergraduates decided against a student loan, the fourth highest in the UK, meaning either they or their parents are funding the weekly Moonies trips.

Can any connections be drawn between these statistics? To say so would be a huge generalisation, but self-employment normally requires some initial financial backing and, unless a result of nepotism, becoming a millionaire requires either a great idea, solid financial backing from a sponsor or parent or a great education.

Whether or not these statistics are applicable or even interesting to you, remember just how good the platform UCL provides for you to potentially propel yourself into that 7 figure salary and corresponding 10.9%. Just be wary of the King’s graduate in the next office.