4 answers
Shaye
Student
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
1
Question
Updated
854 views
How important is your college choice to your overall career track?
I am very overwhelmed with choosing a college and being able to get into a good school, but to factor in costs, I was wondering how much choice of school really impacts the trajectory of where you could end up in the job market. Do companies really care where you went to college, and does that impact how easily you will be able to receive different offers?
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shaye !
A good question that does seem to be on student's minds. It's great that you can get a variety of advice about it here at Career Village.
There's really no way to tell, especially projected into the future, exactly how each prospective employer views particular colleges, so frankly, I would advise to not worry about it and choose a college that is doable for you. It's important to attend college and that is the main thing, that you get the experience of gaining knowledge, skills, social and life experience and personal growth and expand your communication skills. Sure, certain colleges have a "name" and a reputation, but when you're sitting in an interview speaking with an employer, that college name becomes merely words typed on a resume. I would not worry about it because employers will be paying attention to the chemistry between the two of you. You just never know what is on employers minds. They may already have chosen someone and just following through with interviews that were scheduled.
There are too many factors that play into why an employers chooses someone, so again, college name is not something to worry about. I am in an unconventional field - acting. I once saw a meeting of directors, Robert Redford's daughter was there as she is a director. This subject came up. She said that she is actually turned off by actors who show Yale School of Drama on their resume because some of the Ivy Leagues for acting are very rigid and a certain way that she thought would be difficult to direct the actor that had that path at that school. So it could work against a person, maybe not frequently, but sometimes a negative view of the Ivies happens and I have heard it from many non-acting people, too.
What ends up guiding your career is you. So start looking at colleges - some wonderful colleges in New England where you are, and compare which colleges provide the exact Major for your career as well as the best opportunities for your field while you are a student. Check out the University of New Hampshire in Durham, University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Plymouth State University in Plymouth, and Keene State College in Keene.
I went to a State college and it happened to be the best equipped Theatre Department that had a rigorous program that prepared me for the real world of theatre and acting. So my advice is to see which college does have a program targeted to the career you want and go for an orientation and tour of the campuses to see which one is most inspiring to you. College will be your experience and that is the important thing.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
A good question that does seem to be on student's minds. It's great that you can get a variety of advice about it here at Career Village.
There's really no way to tell, especially projected into the future, exactly how each prospective employer views particular colleges, so frankly, I would advise to not worry about it and choose a college that is doable for you. It's important to attend college and that is the main thing, that you get the experience of gaining knowledge, skills, social and life experience and personal growth and expand your communication skills. Sure, certain colleges have a "name" and a reputation, but when you're sitting in an interview speaking with an employer, that college name becomes merely words typed on a resume. I would not worry about it because employers will be paying attention to the chemistry between the two of you. You just never know what is on employers minds. They may already have chosen someone and just following through with interviews that were scheduled.
There are too many factors that play into why an employers chooses someone, so again, college name is not something to worry about. I am in an unconventional field - acting. I once saw a meeting of directors, Robert Redford's daughter was there as she is a director. This subject came up. She said that she is actually turned off by actors who show Yale School of Drama on their resume because some of the Ivy Leagues for acting are very rigid and a certain way that she thought would be difficult to direct the actor that had that path at that school. So it could work against a person, maybe not frequently, but sometimes a negative view of the Ivies happens and I have heard it from many non-acting people, too.
What ends up guiding your career is you. So start looking at colleges - some wonderful colleges in New England where you are, and compare which colleges provide the exact Major for your career as well as the best opportunities for your field while you are a student. Check out the University of New Hampshire in Durham, University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Plymouth State University in Plymouth, and Keene State College in Keene.
I went to a State college and it happened to be the best equipped Theatre Department that had a rigorous program that prepared me for the real world of theatre and acting. So my advice is to see which college does have a program targeted to the career you want and go for an orientation and tour of the campuses to see which one is most inspiring to you. College will be your experience and that is the important thing.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Dylan Zambo
Student / Actuarial Science
2
Answers
Easton, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dylan’s Answer
I attended a small college in rural Pennsylvania, majoring in actuarial science. Despite its size, I secured a summer internship after my junior year, which led to a full-time job offer after graduation.
In my experience, the college's reputation didn't matter much. What truly counts is how you present yourself and the skills you gain during your studies.
Just a year into my first full-time job, I moved to a better position at a new company. They didn't care about the name of my college; they valued my degree and the skills I brought to the table.
No matter where you study, focus on developing yourself both in and out of the classroom, and you'll do great.
In my experience, the college's reputation didn't matter much. What truly counts is how you present yourself and the skills you gain during your studies.
Just a year into my first full-time job, I moved to a better position at a new company. They didn't care about the name of my college; they valued my degree and the skills I brought to the table.
No matter where you study, focus on developing yourself both in and out of the classroom, and you'll do great.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. It is really a very good question. It really depends on what career you have interest. Some profession require a college degree as prerequisite to be certified, e.g. doctor, accountant, engineer, etc. However, some careers is better trained up in vocational schools, e.g. hair styling, cosmetology, plumbing, etc. It really depends on what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial engineer, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to proceed
5. Explore the training/courses required to attend for the careers and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial engineer, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to proceed
5. Explore the training/courses required to attend for the careers and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Shaye. The right college can give you access to helpful networks, internships, and career support, but employers usually care more about your skills, experience, and what you can contribute than the name of your school.
Of course, going to a highly ranked or well-known college can have advantages. These schools often have strong connections with employers, active alumni networks, and more opportunities for internships or research.
It's important to remember that there are many types of "good" colleges. Smaller or less famous schools that have strong programs in your area of interest and give you chances to get hands-on experience can be just as valuable, or even better, than a top-ranked college where you might feel lost in the crowd. The experiences you have, the connections you make, and the skills you develop often matter more to employers than the school name.
Cost is also an important factor. Taking on a lot of debt to attend a prestigious school may not be worth it if a more affordable school can give you similar opportunities.
My advice is: Choosing a college where you can thrive academically and personally, while also managing costs responsibly, often leads to better long-term outcomes than simply chasing prestige.
Of course, going to a highly ranked or well-known college can have advantages. These schools often have strong connections with employers, active alumni networks, and more opportunities for internships or research.
It's important to remember that there are many types of "good" colleges. Smaller or less famous schools that have strong programs in your area of interest and give you chances to get hands-on experience can be just as valuable, or even better, than a top-ranked college where you might feel lost in the crowd. The experiences you have, the connections you make, and the skills you develop often matter more to employers than the school name.
Cost is also an important factor. Taking on a lot of debt to attend a prestigious school may not be worth it if a more affordable school can give you similar opportunities.
My advice is: Choosing a college where you can thrive academically and personally, while also managing costs responsibly, often leads to better long-term outcomes than simply chasing prestige.