Skills and Experience Can Trump Elite College Credentials, Expert Says
NEW YORK – A degree from a highly selective university isn’t the only path to career success, according to higher education expert Jeff Selingo. in a competitive job market, demonstrable skills – gained through internships, specialized coursework, and even proficiency in widely-used software – can often equal or surpass the advantages conferred by a prestigious college name.
Selingo argues that complementing a chosen field of study with in-demand skills,such as industry-specific software or artificial intelligence competence,is a powerful career booster.”I’m a history major, but I no data visualization. I know Canva, or I know Adobe,” Selingo offered as an example. “If you have those opportunities, you get those skills, you get those internships, you can equal the outcomes, even outdo the outcomes, of more selective schools.”
he emphasizes the importance of actively seeking out practical experience while in school. Students should investigate a college’s internship opportunities and whether they are integrated into the curriculum. Campus jobs offering “real world experience” and partnerships between colleges and local businesses for project-based student work are also valuable.
Selingo advises prospective students to assess a school’s investment in career resources, specifically advisors and career services. He recommends speaking directly with current students to gauge the helpfulness of career offices, the quality of advising, and the accessibility of required courses, noting that “there are a lot of little clues that you can find.”
