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Education & Culture

Viral CVs reveal Steve Jobs, Bill Gates’ early career ambitions


Published : 30 Aug 2024 09:19 PM

The early resumes of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates have recently gone viral on social media, providing a unique look into the early stages of the careers of two of the most significant figures in technology. The resumes are an intriguing throwback to their teenage years.

Steve Jobs’ CV (1973):

At just 18, Steve Jobs, who would later co-found Apple Inc., showcased a keen interest in electronics and technology in his CV. His early resume highlights his passion for the tech field, indicating a clear focus on electronics. Jobs’ document reveals his ambition to innovate in the realm of technology, laying the groundwork for his future groundbreaking work with Apple.

Bill Gates’ CV (1971):

Meanwhile, Bill Gates’ CV from 1971 paints a picture of a young prodigy on the cusp of greatness. At 15, Gates noted his American citizenship and a modest salary expectation of $15,000. His CV also highlighted his academic journey as a freshman at Harvard College and showcased his proficiency in several programming languages, including FORTRAN, COBOL, and BASIC. 

Gates detailed his experience with computers, listing his skills on systems like the PDP-10 and CDC-6400. Notably, Gates mentioned his collaboration with Paul G. Allen, with whom he would later co-found Microsoft.

These early resumes are more than just nostalgic artefacts; they reflect the foundational skills and aspirations that propelled Jobs and Gates to redefine technology. Jobs, after a brief departure from Apple in 1985, returned in 1997 to lead the creation of iconic products like the Mac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, transforming the tech landscape. Gates, who started programming at age 13, co-developed the DOS operating system and later launched Windows in 1985, revolutionising personal computing.

The viral spread of these CVs underscores the enduring fascination with the early days of tech luminaries, offering a reminder of how their youthful ambitions evolved into monumental achievements that continue to shape the modern world.