[Clyde]

It's difficult for a nongraduate to lead a group of graduates

In fact it is a hindrance to these graduates. I have seen non-graduates managers

1) refused to promote Engineer to senior position
2) Anything that turns out good, claimed that it is done by him alone. Anything that screw up is caused by his subordinates.
3) micro-manage those Engineers, fearing that their talent will be identified by the top management, hence threaten their positions in the company.
Because of these many good Engineers left the company.

However, those smart non-graduates could become a successful boss if they set up their own business. They are willing to take risk as there is nothing much to lose for them. I had a classmate who got lousy results every year during our Polytechnic time. He is a rich boss now, hiring graduates to run his business.