Harvard Started as a Trade School - Until Recently It Still Was

The Puritans were pragmatic. That pragmatism produced a model that launched the most powerful economy in the world. In line with that practical approach they started Harvard in 1636 as a trade school. It was to train clergy. 

For centuries Harvard has remained essentially a trade school. Its undergraduate arm prepared the Professional Class with the knowledge, contacts, branding and confidence they needed to succeed. The advanced-degree programs shaped the leaders in business, law, medicine, academia and more.

But that was then. 

As knowledge work becomes less marketable, AI eats up whole industries and longevity increases (along with the longing to remain working) there has been a decoupling of a Harvard education from sustained career success. Or, even having the door open to that first good job. The numbers are starting to show up on this.

For example, getting the MBA from Harvard is no longer necessarily the ticket. For the 2024 class 24% remained unemployed months after graduation. Any compensation premium might not have aligned with the expected ROI from such as degree. 

Demand for new graduates from all law schools likely will plummet, predicts Paul, Weiss chair Brad Karp. You got it, AI moves in. Clients mandate that. Harvard recent alumni are unlikely to be spared in the coming restructuring. No slouch in its implementation of AI, Paul, Weiss, partnering with Harvey, has been the first law firm to launch custom workflows. They create unique scalable solutions for boosting client value and overall efficiency. 

And while a Harvard diploma can still open a door or more the market has tightened for those graduating from the divinity school, arts and sciences, among others.

In addition, what's the current sustainability of the Harvard Edge? 

Many graduates enter consulting at the MBB (McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group and Bain) and large law firms. There have been significant manpower reductions as well as demotions in both. 

Bain cut the number of consultants by 20%. Almost 30% of Big Law firms anticipate de-equitizations. That is, partners are forced out or lose their status as shareholders. Law firm A&O Sherman developed, along with Harvey, partner-level AI tools which perform analysis for complex high-value work in antitrust, cybersecurity and more. Lawyers will always be needed. However, not so many of them anymore.

A sign of these changing times the Trump administration is toying with a proposal to shift $3 billion in federal grants that might have gone to Harvard into trade education.

Also a sign of the times a snippet of Chinese wisdom is getting attention: The smart rabbit has three holes. That means create options. It could become increasingly reckless to invest too much in Harvard, ranging from the actual instruction to the participation in its brand equity. 

Recently an unemployed in content-creation contacted me for a complimentary coaching consultation. Yes, the market is tightening for arts graduates. Right out the gate, they said: I went to Harvard. Obviously, that rabbit had only dug one hole.

Reflection: Having attended Harvard Law School got me traction as an influencer. That was 20 years ago. Usually now I delete it from my credentials if I'm determined to get work. 

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. There’s no risk.