Does Where You Graduate From Matter?
How much influence does your alma mater have on your career success? Does attending a prestigious school guarantee a successful career, or is it less relevant in a world prioritizing skills and experience? In this article, I will explore these questions to clarify the age-old debate: does where you graduate from truly matter? By examining both perspectives, I aim to unravel the complexities surrounding the impact of educational institutions on professional success.
Yes, it matters where you graduate from
Graduating from well-known and prestigious institutions undeniably opens doors. Schools like MIT, Harvard, and Oxford have a brand that stands out, often giving their graduates a competitive edge. Alumni from such top universities have been noted to be more likely to land higher-paying jobs and faster promotions. Recruiters understand that these schools maintain high standards for admission and have rigorous academic expectations. This leads to a perception – sometimes valid, sometimes not – that graduates of prestigious institutions are more qualified. For instance, Ivy League graduates statistically have higher average earnings over their lifetimes. A previous study found that attending a highly selective college leads to large earnings payoffs, but the returns are uneven across gender, majors, and family background (Witteveen & Attewell, 2017)1. So, a diploma from a prestigious university can be a powerful asset for certain career paths.
Additionally, attending a prestigious school has an often-overlooked benefit: the alumni network. These top universities have successful graduates who are usually open to assisting other alumni by offering guidance, making referrals, or providing job opportunities. This network opens doors for immediate employment and encourages continuous learning and development. It can be extremely helpful when entering competitive fields or securing sought-after positions. For instance, it’s not unusual for a former student of Stanford University to seek advice from another Stanford graduate. The shared educational background often establishes trust, and these connections can be used in ways that may not be as accessible to graduates from less renowned schools. This sense of shared experience and community can be a valuable asset in your professional journey.
Furthermore, graduates from certain schools are actively sought after by top companies, particularly in sectors such as law, finance, and consulting. Top consulting firms (such as McKinsey & Company) and investment banks (such as Goldman Sachs) often have established or unofficial lists of preferred schools. Graduating from such schools can simplify getting employed at those top organisations. This is partly due to the opportunity for recruiters to engage with students on such campuses through job fairs, networking events, and job promotion activities. In certain industries, having a degree from a prestigious school is nearly a prerequisite for entry. For instance, law firms frequently seek candidates from institutions like Harvard, Duke, and Columbia (Karen, 2023)2.
No, it doesn’t matter where you graduate from
Employers are now placing more value on skills, experience, and adaptability over the ranking of your educational institution. This situation has been tagged as “death of the degree”. A study examining 20 million job postings found that self-taught individuals and those who have acquired their skills through hands-on experience are emerging as a significant presence in the job market (Sagar et al, 2023)3. Rich experience and skills relevant to the desired role often outweigh a prestigious degree. This is even more common in tech industries where problem-solving abilities and quality of work are key to the growth of the organisation. Companies like Google, Apple, and Tesla would now preferably hire self-taught programmers and graduates from boot camps over those from top computer science programs if they provide a higher experience/skill level. In fact, the emergence of educational programs like Coursera and edX has made skill acquisition from top universities easily accessible without the high cost of traditional degrees. These opportunities make it possible to grow rich skills and experience through classes, boot camps, and/or hands-on training sessions to a level that outweighs that of a prestigious degree. As companies continue to emphasise skills over degrees, the significance of your alma mater is diminishing. Employers will care more about your proven problem-solving skills than where you learned them.
Middle Ground- It depends on the industry.
The contribution of your alma mater to your career success is dependent on the path that you choose. In fields like medicine, law, finance, or academia, the prestige of your educational institution matters more. In these fields, top schools often have stronger connections to leading institutes, companies, and firms. Similarly, a PhD from a well-established university will prove very helpful for tenure-track academic positions. However, even in this case, the individual’s experience and skill level often bring the needed balance and thus remain invaluable. On the contrary, tech, design, and media industries work on a more merit-based system. Employers prioritise portfolios and achievements over degrees, making it easier for graduates from any school – or those without formal degrees – to succeed based solely on their skills and experiences.
What matters in the end?
Overall, your achievements and personal reputation have more influence on your career success than your educational institution. Your accomplishments, acquired skills, and exposure shape your career development. Prospective employers will be happier to recruit you based on your proven track record than the name on your degree. However, continuous learning is key. Whether through formal or informal channels (online courses, etc.), your positive attitude towards continuous learning will help you stand out to potential recruiters. This is likely to be more valuable than your alma mater. Additionally, fostering connections and nurturing your professional network can significantly propel your career, regardless of where you graduated from. Professional networks, mentorship, and connections forged through work or industry gatherings can open doors that a degree alone cannot.
Conclusion
So, does where you graduate from really matter? The answer is: It depends. A prestigious degree can offer an advantage in certain industries and career paths. However, in today’s world, where skills, experience, and adaptability are increasingly valued, your alma mater is just one piece of the puzzle. Your long-term success will ultimately depend on how you apply your knowledge, not just where you obtained it. Concentrate on developing skills, establishing valuable connections, and always being open to learning. Your starting point may have an influence, but it’s your actions along the way that truly count.
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About the Authors
Abdulkabir Omeiza Abdulmalik is a graduate student at CEPLAS Graduate School, Germany, and a 2024 Plantae Editor. His research focuses on using an experimental evolution approach to assemble plant growth-promoting soil microbiomes. He is passionate about science communication and sustainable crop production. In his free time, he loves playing soccer and enjoying nature views. You can find him on X: @Omeiza_PlantDoc.
