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I've heard that the colleges we attend affect the hiring process when we graduate. How do I tackle this problem?
#JULY20 #colleges #hiring_process
I’ve recently graduated from LaGuardia Community College and I’ve applied to 4 different CUNY universities for transfer. Many people tend to go to big and renowned universities like MIT, Harvard and many more. How do I get a leg up if I didn't attend one of these big name schools?
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5 answers
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Darin’s Answer
Actually Babita the only thing your paying for with big name universities is the elite of having a degree from a big name college, and maybe networking opportunities, but that's really it. You'll get the same level of education at a big name as if you were to go to some other school. Really though the thing that some potential employers look for is not big name schools but that you can demonstrate what you learned, the type of major you earned and that you have the ambition to want to succeed.
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Beth’s Answer
Hi Babita, For the vast majority of majors, the college you attend doesn't matter as much as how well you did and that you completed your degree. You can network at smaller schools, although it may take a little more effort. Focus on a good school that is strong in your major and don't be too concerned about the name. Most college graduates don't attend Harvard, MIT, or Yale.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Hi Babita,
That's a really insightful question. While the other answers are correct in saying it doesn't matter where you went to school, what matters is your degree, the part that doesn't cover is the recruiting opportunities. What I mean by this is that depending on the job and career you are hoping to go into, the bigger named companies may not be recruiting on your campus. However, this doesn't mean you can't still end up where you want to be. It might involve a little more legwork and networking on your own.
I would talk to your professors and see if they have networks or relationships with businesses based on their research areas or past careers. I would also leverage LinkedIn to see if you have any connections already at companies you are interested in. The important thing is getting a foot in the door and having someone who can help advocate for you.
Additionally, I would focus on trying to secure an internship or job shadowing opportunity in a field you are interested in. This way you can put actual job experience on your resume which speaks volumes more to an employer than the school you went to. I was always told when I was in undergrad that the school you went to only matters for getting your first job and after that it is all about you, your work experience, and references from then on.
You got this!
That's a really insightful question. While the other answers are correct in saying it doesn't matter where you went to school, what matters is your degree, the part that doesn't cover is the recruiting opportunities. What I mean by this is that depending on the job and career you are hoping to go into, the bigger named companies may not be recruiting on your campus. However, this doesn't mean you can't still end up where you want to be. It might involve a little more legwork and networking on your own.
I would talk to your professors and see if they have networks or relationships with businesses based on their research areas or past careers. I would also leverage LinkedIn to see if you have any connections already at companies you are interested in. The important thing is getting a foot in the door and having someone who can help advocate for you.
Additionally, I would focus on trying to secure an internship or job shadowing opportunity in a field you are interested in. This way you can put actual job experience on your resume which speaks volumes more to an employer than the school you went to. I was always told when I was in undergrad that the school you went to only matters for getting your first job and after that it is all about you, your work experience, and references from then on.
You got this!
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
You can get a leg up in many ways! Start by gaining as much experience as you can in your industry and net work, net work and net work!
I started off at Community College and wanted to learn finance, so I went to Baruch college in NYC and made strong connections there, leading me to a job at a top Investment bank. Don't get hung up on college names, focus on how to use what your given as leverage to take the next step and always advocate for your self when it comes to finding a job.
I started off at Community College and wanted to learn finance, so I went to Baruch college in NYC and made strong connections there, leading me to a job at a top Investment bank. Don't get hung up on college names, focus on how to use what your given as leverage to take the next step and always advocate for your self when it comes to finding a job.
Updated
Dawn’s Answer
When I hire, I don't look at the university/college that the candidate attended. I care that they finished and graduated. I have known some managers who checked to see if the university/college was 'online only'. They preferred that the candidate went to classes in-person, however, this has likely changed due to COVID and the shift to virtual.