<p>How does the reputation of your college/ university after you graduate (years later) effect you in the job market?</p>
<p>I went to a summer program, where the one prof was going on about how his one colleague went to a university that wasn't well known, in a specific field</p>
<p>but that later it became well known & a leader in [insert specific field] that it did help his job search etc& </p>
<p>so just wondering... how relevant is it ? </p>
<p>i doubt this would apply immediately after graduation, but Im thinking a bit more long term... </p>
<p>Did and/or does this hold true? Do i need to think about the college/ university's rep not only now but in ten years from now? </p>
<p>or is it more so- take the best education you can ... and do the best you can?</p>
<p>i mean the job market is obviously going to change when Im out of university
and 1/3+ the population will be in 65s and > ... </p>
<p>any words of wisdom? </p>
<p>heh, i might not even be asking the right question, the whole idea is fairly vague to me.</p>
<p>It can make a difference. For example, NYU used to be nothing special and now some people have a higher opinion of it. Its alums get a diploma upgrade in their eyes.</p>
<p>People are nostalgic about what college they attended, especially if their football (or other sports) team is doing well. I've rarely heard that hiring decisions are based on where an individual attended college or grad school years after graduation. It's much more important what the individual DID after graduating. For example, I know folks who have gone to public Us & are leaders in their profession & field, even tho they never attended an IVY.
In any case, unless you have a crystal ball, not many of us can really SEE the future. I'd say go to decent schools, do well & then do well in your career. That's what most of us did & it has served us just fine.</p>
<p>If you go to a reputable grad school, no one cares very much about your undergrad degree anymore. Although IVY, etc. always makes a good impression. If BA is your terminal degree--a well-known school or strong alumni network can open doors for you in your first job--after that, your own work and personal reputation-connections will probably mean much more.</p>
<p>I agree with Pye, a degree from a highly selective college may open a few more doors at graduation but after that, and individuals on the job performance is all that matters. But remember performance means much more than just completing assignments. But never underestimate the value of communication skills, teamwork skills, negotiating the shark infested waters of office politics, and personal initiative. And yes, looks, style and demeanor can matter in the corporate world. While one can sometimes be rewarded for thinking outside the box, the same is not the case for actually being outside the box.</p>
<p>In my profession, nursing, they don't even ask in interviews anymore. It's kind of why I wonder why everybody wants to pay such grand amounts of money for what will be an equivalent degree. For instance, students that go to a local community college get a better education than I did at a state school, and I guarantee that. and a nurse I worked with who graduated from a top level school was completely useless on the nursing unit. I think in initial interviews it makes a difference. But as your career progresses, what matters is publishing, involvement, especially in your organizations, and potential to volunteer or give back.</p>