[throwawaysalome]

special word to distinguish those who drop out to work

We say those students are "on leave." Gates and Zuckerberg often commend Harvard for its flexible leave policy. Given Harvard's overambitious undergrads, the bureaucratic overhead of granting a hiatus is a small price for the glory-by-association of a potential Microsoft or Facebook. Come to Harvard. Even if you don't graduate, you'll be rich and famous!