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The measure of worth is in the effort, not the label ... dmv
A number of people seem to be of the opinion that unless a candidate has graduated from the Ivy Leagues, Stanford, M.I.T. or some other highly prestigious institution, they are not worthy of the important positions in our highly competitive world. Gee, what does that say about the majority of people that have either never graduated from college, or had to settle for state universities? Are the majority of college graduates relegated to the ranks of the less desirable because they lack the intelligence, political, monetary, or social clout to be accepted? Do the elite universities really do a better job of preparing students for a lifetime career? I seriously doubt it! Do not misunderstand, I do believe they are highly regarded schools, and many if not most of the students are clearly well deserving of their stature within them, but I submit many folks go on to build very successful careers not having graduated from Harvard, Yale, or M.I.T.
In my experience as an academician for over thirty years, I have met and associated with some very highly intelligent people, and most of them never set foot, let alone took courses on any of these more prestigious college campuses. In fact, some of the most intelligent people I know never graduated from college. Does this suggest that education is overrated and people should really reconsider investing all that time and money for a college education? Yes, it does, but not for the reason that college is a waste of time; rather, for what reason does one want to pursue higher education? What is the ultimate goal? Does college provide a path on which one can achieve their goals? Let us consider the educational pursuits of the past dozen Presidents of the United States as an example that illustrates somewhat misguided beliefs that the only way to reach the pinnacle of a career is to graduate from the most expensive, elite institution.
Of the past twelve Presidents of the United States, six have degrees from either Yale or Harvard, two graduated from military academies (West Point and Annapolis), four have degrees in law, nearly all have either taken courses or have degrees in political science, economics, history, or international affairs. Only one has a master’s degree in business administration (George W. Bush). Bush graduated with degrees from Yale and Harvard, yet he ran practically every business venture he was ever associated with into ruins. Possessing an M.B.A. from Harvard University does not ensure competence. Ronald Reagan studied sociology at Eureka College, became a very successful actor, ultimately elected President of the United States, and considered one of the most effective world communicators. Harry Truman left office with the lowest public rating of any president up to his time, yet he ultimately became one of the most highly respected leaders in this country’s history. President Truman never graduated from college. The perception of intelligence and leadership qualities is severely clouded by the label, rather than the actual product.
Many of this country’s CEO’s have undergraduate degrees from state institutions. Such examples include; Berkshire-Hathaway (Warren Buffett, University of Nebraska), Bank of America (Ken Lewis, Georgia State University), Home Depot (Robert Nardelli, Western Illinois University), Valero Energy (Bill Klesse, University of Dayton), Verizon Communications (Ivan Seidenberg, City University of New York), Cardinal Health (Robert D. Walker, Ohio University), Kroger (David Dillon, University of Kansas), State Farm Insurance (Edward B. Rust Jr., Illinois Wesleyan University), Costco Wholesale (James Sinegal, San Diego State University), Target (Robert Ulrich, University of Minnesota), Met Life (Rob Henrickson, University of Pennsylvania), Wellpoint (Larry C.Glasscock, Cleveland State University), Lowe’s (Robert Niplock, University of North Carolina), and Walgreen (David Bemauer, North Dakota State University).
The label of the institution may get one through the door for an interview, but it is what comes out of one’s mouth and ultimately what they produce on the job that is the true testimony of the quality of one’s education. Do you think President Obama would have stood much of a chance if he had graduated from Podunk University instead of Harvard?
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