Ralph Lauren's Foundational Business Education at Baruch College in NYC

Ralph Lauren pursued his studies in business at Baruch College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY), when he was eighteen years old. Raised in a working-class neighborhood in the Bronx, Lauren's early years were marked by a practical and grounded approach to life, traits inherited from his Jewish immigrant parents. His decision to enter the business program at Baruch College was driven by a desire to gain practical business knowledge that could help him achieve economic stability and upward mobility. Baruch College, known for its robust business curriculum, provided Lauren with foundational skills that would later influence his entrepreneurial journey. It was here that he started to shape his understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and basic principles of finance and management. This education played a crucial role in his development as a businessman, preparing him for the complexities of the fashion industry, even though he would later leave academia to pursue his ambitions directly. While at Baruch, Ralph Lauren also worked part-time to support himself, gaining invaluable experience in retail and sales. These real-world engagements combined with his academic background laid the groundwork for what would become a highly successful career in fashion and design. Lauren's time at Baruch College may not have been lengthy, but it was pivotal, providing a springboard from which he would launch his first tie business, which eventually grew into the globally recognized Ralph Lauren Corporation. Today, Ralph Lauren is synonymous with luxury and classic American style, a testament to how the business knowledge and real-world experience he gained in his formative years contributed significantly to his lasting success. This period in his life underscores the importance of education and practical experience in shaping future industry leaders. #RalphLauren #BusinessEducation #BaruchCollege #CUNY #Entrepreneurship #FashionIndustry #MoofLife