The Name Game?

<p>How important is the name and reputation of a college when finding a career. Is it accurate to say that there are more job opportunities for someone attending MIT or Harvard than for someone who went to a lesser-known, less famous college? I doubt that jobs are only given to the top students. Although I know they're preferred, they are not the only ones chosen. But in short, my question is:
How heavily does the name and reputation of a school weigh in the selection of employees for any given career or field?</p>

<p>A top college gives you some edge for the first job although a lot depends on major and geographic location and how well you do in college, e.g., (a) psychology, English and history majors from anywhere will have some difficulty getting that first job; engineering, accounting and actuary majors from anywhere will usually find it easier than many other majors; (b) in Utah, a Brigham Young grad will be at least as desirable as, if not more desirable than, a Harvard grad; (c) the A student will find it easier than the C although a B student from Harvard may be considered just as valuable as an A student from a lesser known school. A degree from a top school will also give you some advantage for admission to graduate schools. In the job market, where your undergrad degree is from will become of little importance as you progress and change jobs as ability, performance, and personality will become the prime factors.</p>

<p>That's what my dad says too: it'll help you get your first job out of college, but after that (ten or fifteen years later) your work experience will play a larger part.</p>