35 answers
You
Student
1
Question
35 answers
Josh Chen
Management Consultant
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Going to a prestigious university can definitely give you a boost in finding your dream job. However, it's not just about the school's name – there are many other aspects that contribute to your success in securing that perfect position after completing your undergraduate studies. Your GPA, the extracurricular activities you take part in, and the connections you make all play a significant role in your job hunt. So, concentrate on making the most of your current opportunities to increase your chances of launching your career at the company of your choice.
Build a strong network and surround yourself with those who have accomplished what you hope to accomplish.
Focus on what energizes you.
Explore extracurricular opportunities at your current university.
Remember to take a second and enjoy the present.
Josh recommends the following next steps:
Katie Ko
10
Answers
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Updated
Katie’s Answer
As a current rising sophomore in college, I have learned that while attending a top uni can give a student benefits, ultimately attending a university that fits you best is the priority! Do not feel more inclined to attend a uni just because of their title! Make sure you really research their programs, specific to the major you would like to apply for, as well as the schools environment, the number of people, clubs, cost, and so much more.
Luisanny Germosen Mejia
Consultant
1
Answer
New Haven, Connecticut
Updated
Luisanny’s Answer
Certainly, it can hold significance; however, the crucial factor is your network. The individuals you encounter and maintain contact with will serve as your greatest resource throughout your professional journey.
Consider schools with a robust career center, as they can provide assistance regardless of your chosen major and possess connections across various sectors.
Consider schools with a robust career center, as they can provide assistance regardless of your chosen major and possess connections across various sectors.
Bryant Foster
Recruiter
1
Answer
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Bryant’s Answer
Attending a renowned university can definitely boost your career prospects. In the beginning stages of your professional journey, having a distinguished university name on your resume can increase your chances of securing internships and interviews with sought-after organizations. Moreover, many of these organizations actively compete to recruit students directly from top universities. Furthermore, throughout your career, the connections you've established during your university years can prove to be beneficial in various ways. It's highly likely that several of your classmates will hold influential positions in organizations worldwide. These relationships can be valuable in helping you access new job opportunities, forming partnerships, and achieving sales with the organizations they are associated with.
However, it's important to remember that attending a top university isn't the sole factor in determining career success. Possessing specialized skills and certifications, as well as the ability to network and build relationships with other professionals, can also contribute significantly to your professional growth.
However, it's important to remember that attending a top university isn't the sole factor in determining career success. Possessing specialized skills and certifications, as well as the ability to network and build relationships with other professionals, can also contribute significantly to your professional growth.
Josh P
Audit & Assurance
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Going to a top university can definitely benefit you in some areas, but it is more important to attend a university that is the best fit for you personally. There are other factors that contribute to your success at any university that can help you secure your dream career after completing your studies. One important area is your personal network. The people you meet and connect with throughout your undergraduate studies will serve as a great resource as you look for careers in the future. Focusing on making the most of your studies, participating in extracurricular activities and gaining work experience through internships are all great ways to position yourself for future success.
Erin C
Compliance Analyst
6
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Erin’s Answer
Hi! It's true that attending a top university can provide certain benefits, but it's not the sole factor in determining your success. There are numerous other routes that can lead you to achieve the same level of accomplishment as someone who goes to a top university.
By making the most of what your school offers, excelling in your classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and gaining work experience during the academic year or summer breaks, you'll set yourself up for success regardless of the reputation of your school.
Speaking from personal experience, I applied to a wide range of schools and ultimately chose a public state school due to the affordability and the scholarship I received. This decision opened up numerous opportunities for me, such as engaging in extracurricular activities and securing internships, which eventually led to my first job.
By making the most of what your school offers, excelling in your classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and gaining work experience during the academic year or summer breaks, you'll set yourself up for success regardless of the reputation of your school.
Speaking from personal experience, I applied to a wide range of schools and ultimately chose a public state school due to the affordability and the scholarship I received. This decision opened up numerous opportunities for me, such as engaging in extracurricular activities and securing internships, which eventually led to my first job.
Martin Mankus
Senior Consultant
5
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Hi! It really depends on what career you plan to pursue. Some industries care about top university more than others. On one hand, if you are targeting industries like investment banking and consulting then top business school will matter because firms in those industries mostly recruit from there. It does not mean you cannot get those jobs from non top university, but it would take much more networking.
On the other hand, if you are targeting other industries like technology, medical or other engineering, the actual acquired skills and credentials might matter more. For example, there are numerous instance of great programmers getting job at big tech even if they did not go to top schools.
On the other hand, if you are targeting other industries like technology, medical or other engineering, the actual acquired skills and credentials might matter more. For example, there are numerous instance of great programmers getting job at big tech even if they did not go to top schools.
E.g. Hedge Funds, Investment Banks, Private Equities mostly hire the 1% from the very top colleges and business graduate schools, being in one of those top universities just gives you an opportunity to be potentially interviewed. Even with that, you have to be in 99 percentile of your college to get a foot in the door
Keyur Sadhani (he / him)
Roshan Shah
Actuary
2
Answers
Furlong, Pennsylvania
Updated
Roshan’s Answer
Hi! I'm a rising senior at Penn State and currently interning with Deloitte. Attending a top university is absolutely not necessary to succeed. Go to a school, a big one, with lots of resources and join clubs that allow you to grow academically and personally. When you are in college it's on the person to do what with their time.
Aadesh Nagda
Analyst
5
Answers
Newark, Delaware
Updated
Aadesh’s Answer
While going to a top university can certainly be beneficial, it is more important to find a university that best fits you! As long as you work hard and put in the effort the results will show for themselves. Networking, work experience, and a positive demeanor/work ethic can go a long way, regardless of which university you attend.
Ryan Chang
Software Developer
22
Answers
Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
There are many benefits to attending a top university; however, this doesn't mean that it is required to have a successful future. College is what you make of it, it is up to you to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available at whatever college you attend. You may find better resources, opportunities, or networks at more prestigious colleges, but going to these colleges will not guarantee your success. Wherever you end up, make sure to utilize everything available to you.
Vincent So
Consultant
10
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Vincent’s Answer
When I attended my local state school, I discovered that the education system is truly what you make of it. Success can be achieved at any school. Sure, a top-tier school might offer more resources and an impressive network of world-class professors and fellow students. However, similar opportunities can be found at a regular school if you're willing to search for them. I had the chance to participate in undergraduate research throughout all four years at my state university, and I engaged with highly intelligent professors in classes and internships. If given the option, I might have chosen a more prestigious university for the connections alone. But, I still believe my state school was a good choice. Ultimately, it's up to each person to shape their own college experience.
Eric Chang
Risk and Financial Advisory Analyst
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Everything has pros and cons, and I will list the important points.
Pros:
1) More opportunities for high quality jobs due to ample campus recruiting events
2) More resources to help you to prepare for interviews due to well-established career centers and academic/career advisors
3) More networking opportunities with professionals if you just attend school sponsored or school invited events. Networking is the key to get your resume to the right people!
Cons:
1) Harder to excel in classes and attain high GPA. It is generally much harder to get a high GPA (3.7 or above) at any Top 20 university than it is at a Top 50 or Top 100 university.
2) More competition, as your classmates are generally smarter, more hardworking, or both than lower-ranked university students. This, however, could lead to extreme pressure, lack of sleep, and others.
3) Harder to attain scholarships due to the prestigious nature of top universities. If finance is a concern, I recommend a high-quality public school (UCLA, UC Berkley, etc.). You can also start at community college and take the route of transferring if things don't work out.
Conclusion:
1) The college that you go will not define you. For job placement, you will need to take the extra work (developing your professional network and enhancing your interview skills) if you go to a lower ranked university because you get less exposure to top quality recruiting events.
2) Do well in all your classes. Once you pass the resume screening round, your GPA of 3.9 at a lower ranked school is most likely more valuable than someone who has a GPA of 3.5 at a more prestige university. I would focus more on interview skills and crafting your stories after you get a solid GPA.
Best of luck!
Pros:
1) More opportunities for high quality jobs due to ample campus recruiting events
2) More resources to help you to prepare for interviews due to well-established career centers and academic/career advisors
3) More networking opportunities with professionals if you just attend school sponsored or school invited events. Networking is the key to get your resume to the right people!
Cons:
1) Harder to excel in classes and attain high GPA. It is generally much harder to get a high GPA (3.7 or above) at any Top 20 university than it is at a Top 50 or Top 100 university.
2) More competition, as your classmates are generally smarter, more hardworking, or both than lower-ranked university students. This, however, could lead to extreme pressure, lack of sleep, and others.
3) Harder to attain scholarships due to the prestigious nature of top universities. If finance is a concern, I recommend a high-quality public school (UCLA, UC Berkley, etc.). You can also start at community college and take the route of transferring if things don't work out.
Conclusion:
1) The college that you go will not define you. For job placement, you will need to take the extra work (developing your professional network and enhancing your interview skills) if you go to a lower ranked university because you get less exposure to top quality recruiting events.
2) Do well in all your classes. Once you pass the resume screening round, your GPA of 3.9 at a lower ranked school is most likely more valuable than someone who has a GPA of 3.5 at a more prestige university. I would focus more on interview skills and crafting your stories after you get a solid GPA.
Best of luck!
Aaima Pirzada
Intern
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Aaima’s Answer
I would say it's not as important as you might think but if you can make it and afford it then it doesn't hurt at all. I am currently a senior at a public college not too highly ranked nationally but prestigious within it's peer colleges. I will say the most valuable thing I have received from this school is my network. Fortunately the culture at my school is that all students are driven but not competitive to the point where they won't help their peers. At a highly ranked school there is a competitive environment, if that is not what you want you may want to consider other options. That's not to say that a college name means nothing. My college is not unknown but it may not provide me the same recognition as a student from a T10 school. When you attend a highly ranked university you will find a strong connection in almost any career space that a lower ranked university graduate may not get.
Overall I would say take a step back and recognize what kind of college experience you want and what is attainable for you but I would strongly say that no matter what school you go to the your career options will not change.
Overall I would say take a step back and recognize what kind of college experience you want and what is attainable for you but I would strongly say that no matter what school you go to the your career options will not change.
Justin Smith
Consultant (Analytics)
13
Answers
Bowie, Maryland
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Being accepted into a top university isn't the most crucial thing in the bigger picture. Sure, there are advantages and perks to attending a prestigious institution, but you can absolutely find a job and achieve success no matter what.
As others have mentioned, the relationships and connections you build are more valuable than attending a top university. The great thing about forming connections is that you can do it practically anywhere, and it doesn't cost a thing! You can meet people at industry-specific gatherings, conferences, on LinkedIn, in online forums, or even at your local Starbucks! All you need to do is put yourself out there and be open to making new connections!
As others have mentioned, the relationships and connections you build are more valuable than attending a top university. The great thing about forming connections is that you can do it practically anywhere, and it doesn't cost a thing! You can meet people at industry-specific gatherings, conferences, on LinkedIn, in online forums, or even at your local Starbucks! All you need to do is put yourself out there and be open to making new connections!
Alex Salkin
Valuations and Modelling
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Based on my experience, a school's name shouldn’t be the 'most' important factor in your college decision. I believe the most important factors in a college decision are: (1) Value (2) Ability to Grow (3) Major/Minor Programs. Some top universities are great at a very specific thing/set of things. Likewise, there are other institutions that may be better rated at the areas you’re interested in. Take the time to identify what interests you now, or what may interest you in the future.
If you get an equally great education at a lesser-known and less-expensive institution, you’re effectively enjoying a better value on your investment (you're investing in yourself!). Finally, find somewhere that you believe you can grow. Growth is multi-faceted. Personal & professional growth, and growing your network are all immensely important. You're bound to grow - so find somewhere that you can grow the most.
If you get an equally great education at a lesser-known and less-expensive institution, you’re effectively enjoying a better value on your investment (you're investing in yourself!). Finally, find somewhere that you believe you can grow. Growth is multi-faceted. Personal & professional growth, and growing your network are all immensely important. You're bound to grow - so find somewhere that you can grow the most.
Shahzad Jumani, MBA
Project Manager
5
Answers
Winter Springs, Florida
Updated
Shahzad’s Answer
Hello,
Every student wonders about this question while in college. Although having an edge is helpful, it's not the only crucial factor in obtaining a job or building a successful career. In my view, the value of your network is essential. Make an effort to create connections during college, particularly with your senior class. Participate in social clubs and various organizations to expand your network.
Every student wonders about this question while in college. Although having an edge is helpful, it's not the only crucial factor in obtaining a job or building a successful career. In my view, the value of your network is essential. Make an effort to create connections during college, particularly with your senior class. Participate in social clubs and various organizations to expand your network.
Riya Mehta
Intern
8
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Riya’s Answer
Hi! While it may seem like a big-name college is the most important thing, it is definitely not! It can give you an advantage, but there are so many other things that will help you attract recruiters. Try to join a few extracurriculars that you are passionate about, taking leadership roles in them. Use the resources provided by your school to grow and learn your skills better. Ultimately, the school name doesn't determine your internship, your level of work and dedication does!
Anna Spoon
Consultant
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia