At this time of year, high school seniors everywhere are neck-deep in the college admissions process. A friend of mine (a dean of college counseling at a prestigious New England prep school) recently said to me, “Seniors have exactly three things on their minds right now: today, tomorrow, and college applications.”
It’s true. The obsession in this country with college admissions is very real, and the pressure to “get in” is overwhelming. Students run themselves ragged chasing test scores, taking AP courses, dominating at sports, participating in student organizations, getting straight As – whatever it takes to prove their “worth.” Meanwhile, parents compound the anxiety by voicing strong opinions, pushing their child toward certain schools or even taking more drastic actions (hello, college admissions scandal).
Eventually, it will all be over. The acceptance and rejection letters will come, and these kids will declare their school selections. Some will attend that dream university. Others will not.
But in the end, none of it will matter.
College will go by in a flash, and once it’s over, graduates will enter the real world. They’ll apply for jobs, interview with employers, and start their adult lives. And for the vast majority of young people entering the workforce, no one will care where they went to college.
I’ve worked in hiring for more than 15 years. My clients are c-suite executives, owners and HR professionals in companies of all sizes and across various industries. These are thoughtful, savvy professionals who make real life hiring decisions every single day. And never once have they hired one of my candidates because of the school they attended or rejected them for the same. Colleges simply do not factor into most hiring decisions.
There are exceptions. The prestige of a top institution can carry weight in certain industries. For example, some law firms and financial services companies proclaim themselves “school snobs.” But for the average kid pursuing a generic liberal arts degree or something similar, the truth remains — where they obtain their degree will be of zero significance.
What do employers care about when hiring entry-level candidates?
* Work ethic. Do they have one? Are they self-motivated and willing to grind their way up from the bottom? Or do they have an air of entitlement? Are they eager to learn, or do they think they already know everything?
* People skills. Can they interact effectively with live human beings rather than an electronic device? Are they comfortable picking up a phone instead of sending a text? Can they hold intelligent conversations, ask good questions and represent a company respectably?
* Internships. Did they take the initiative to secure legitimate internships during their college years? Did they make real connections and leave a positive impression? Will their references vouch for them?
* Leadership. Did they captain a sports team? Lead a student organization? Organize mission trips? Do they have passions and interests outside of the classroom? Do others respect them and follow their lead?
* Self-awareness. Do they know who they are? Even a little? Do they have a plan, or are they obviously drifting? Can they articulate why a job opportunity is a good fit for them, and vice versa?
Parents: For the sake of your sanity and your children’s, please, stop fixating on the wrong stuff. To set your child up for success, instill good values and help them define their own. Encourage them to get involved in their community. Ask them what they want out of college (and life) and actually listen. Help them identify their unique talents and interests, and select a major that aligns. Impart social and leadership skills. Teach them the importance of networking and relationship building.
Above all, keep the college-admissions process in perspective. Because when all is said and done, what your child makes of their college experience will mean a lot more than whichever school emblem appears on their diploma.
Jackie Ducci, founder and CEO of Ducci & Associates, is a headhunter and hiring consultant and the author of “Almost Hired: What’s Really Standing Between You and the Job You Want.” Ducci & Associates is based in Hartford and Washington, D.C.
