Harvard: Can the Mystique Make It Without Money in a Changing Labor Market?

 It takes money to attract, hold onto and motivate star talent. Part of the mystique of Harvard is created from having those twinklers embedded in the branding. If the resources, be it research money or compensation, aren't available to sustain that talent they can go elsewhere. The mystique could wither.

For fiscal 2025, Harvard suffered a $113 million operating loss. It's been targeted by the Trump administration and that has eaten into funding. Since Harvard continues to "resist," fighting back in court and with a values megaphone, financially things could get worse. Recall there were large law firms which didn't resist. When hit with Executive Orders they cut deals with the administration. Some of them such as Paul, Weiss and Skadden are thriving in their businesses. 

Sure, the Harvard endowment has grown. But 80% of its funds are restricted and can't be shaken loose to pay the bills for this and that. 

What could also undermine the mystique is the global devaluation of university degrees. In myriad nations there's a glut of educated. Too many remain jobless. That could be driving the Gen Z revolutions - call that Counterculture 2.0 - in Madagascar and Peru. 

A degree from an elite institution such as Harvard could open the first few doors in a career. Or maybe not as competition for entry-level jobs intensifies. The guarantee is off. For instance, the Harvard MBA, although still ranked high, no longer assures a job post-graduation. 

The added rub is what happens to those Ivy degree holders once they're in? 

Wall Street, for example, is reducing manpower, despite gangbuster profits. Its major tool for cost-efficiency is AI. Investors like that.

Management consulting is contracting. AI tools allow more problems to be solved in-house. 

The business models for practicing law are being disrupted. Law firm Paul, Weiss chair Brad Karp even went on record that AI will significantly reduce demand for junior lawyers. That could mean even those from Harvard Law School. 

In 1636 Harvard started as a trade school. That was to train clergy. The administration seems to have the mission of returning that institution of learning to such a pragmatic objective. In that transformation Harvard would have to reinvent its branding. The aura might not hold up.

In my intuitive coaching I am bearing witness to a backing away from prestige to a chase after what skills will be continue to be marketable. Certifications are big. Degrees, not so much so. In fact, more of those hustling for making a good living are leaving off the resume degrees beyond the BA/BS. 

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. Zero risk.