December has arrived, signaling the fast-approaching college application deadlines. Across the United States, students rush to perfect their essays and secure standout letters of recommendation to gain admission to their dream schools. For some, Ivy League schools are their top priority, considering that there were more applications to Yale and Dartmouth than ever before. Twenty years ago, having a college degree was the one-way ticket to having a successful
and lasting career while leaving those without one with little hope of ever achieving this status. However, there has been a recent argument that even the perfect Ivy League degree holds less value than it did before. Here’s why:
Employers are more focused on work ethic
Business owners and employers are beginning to notice that Gen Z, born between 1995 and 2012, has the worst communication and social skills of any generation before them, creating issues in customer service particularly. It is also noted that this generation needs a basic willingness to work at all and meet requests with attitude. Whether this is because it is considered the “online generation” or that young people today have just become lazy is subjective. Still, one thing is for sure: it is noticed heavily in the business industry. Hiring managers seek those with a good work ethic and potential for growth and flexibility compared to a college degree. In fact, 65 percent of managers will hire you for your skills alone, with a college degree pushed aside. It’s essential to remember that while having that degree may enhance the skills looked for in the workplace, it’s certainly not an automatic foot in the door or guarantee at any job. You won’t even be considered if you lack social skills.
Entitlement has become an issue
Gen Z has become quickly recognized as the most entitled generation that has ever come before it, meaning that those with significant college degrees go into the job expecting larger wages and higher positions almost immediately simply because they have the degree. 75% of Gen Z members believe they should receive a promotion within their first year of employment, while another 32% believe they should receive one within the first 6 months. Consequently, this doesn’t rub managers the right way, considering that they are typically older and grew up in a generation without such high and unrealistic expectations. Employees are shown to be easily offended when this doesn’t happen as they had expected, earning the title of the “snowflake generation.” It’s an unending cycle; they expect too much, get frustrated, and get fired or quit. A college degree doesn’t guarantee these high expectations, and it certainly won’t keep you your job when you expect them.
Keeping these things in mind, it’s important to remember that having that fancy college degree is not the end-all for anyone. It may give leverage above others in getting the job, but if you don’t have the attitude and work ethic needed to thrive in the workplace, it has no value other than a piece of paper hanging on your wall. So, keep this in mind when submitting your college applications, and remember that your character holds more value than anything a slip of paper can promise you.
