Mr Sarkozy had to work for two years in an ice-cream parlour to finance his law degree, and as a flower-delivery boy in order to help the family make ends meet.

ECONOMIST: France's next president

Le, who returned to his homeland in 2001 after picking up a degree in finance from Australia's Monash University, prefers to share the spotlight with his inner circle of six managers. (He reluctantly agreed to pose solo--and colorfully--for a FORBES ASIA photo.) He's adopted the Silicon Valley culture and has granted shares to 150 of the key managers among his 1, 000-plus employees.

FORBES: Companies, People, Ideas

Reilley graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in finance and got his first job as a number cruncher in Conoco's Cheyenne, Wyoming office.

FORBES: Magazine Article

He admitted if it was not for boxing, he could have imagined using his degree to get a job perhaps in finance or accounting.

BBC: Maths student is boxing clever

After graduating from Louisiana State University in 1980 with a degree in international trade and finance, Joo Siang joined as his father's right-hand man.

FORBES: Blue Waters Gray Areas

An avid gamer, Le Hong Minh, 32, started VinaGame in 2004 with other players after getting an undergrad degree in finance from Australia's Monash University and giving up his investment banking career.

FORBES: Commentary

Roles in finance GE and Bosch Automotive anchored his career, which began following his summa cum laude graduation with an accounting degree, from Murray State University, in 1986.

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