That Real World: Higher Education Is Making It Kick in Freshman Year

 A silver lining in this brutal entry-level job market and AI: No longer will new college graduates have to endure that complex, soul-wrenching rite of passage of adjusting to the real world. A Boomer, I recall how the laddie and young women's magazines briefed us on the transition from college to whatever.  Everything from get a haircut to be fitted for a good suit. 

CNBC documents how the higher-education industry is making the shift from education-for-the-sake-of-education to education-as-platform-for-earning-a-good-living. Here's a snippet:

"CUNY’s chancellor, Félix Matos Rodríguez [said] 'It’s not enough for students to graduate with a degree ... they must leave with direction, preparation, experience and connections.'"

That changes so much about those four years. Some institutions such as Seton Hill University have developed three-year programs to be more cost-efficient. 

For example, frats may no longer be for fun. They will be reset as a key strategy for learning how to network effectively. 

Only trust-fund kids might major in English, philosophy and other liberal arts. 

Because of the importance of internships colleges in isolated areas might fold. 

And, pipe down Harvard undergraduates lamenting the possible end of grade inflation. Stand-alone academic performance will matter less and less. That actually isn't new. There's the old joke about the "C" students becoming the bosses of the "A" students.  It took a lot more than honors performance at Harvard Law School for Paul, Weiss' Brad Karp to evolve into rainmaker. thought leader and fundraiser. 

Of course, in my coaching parents come to me to help sort out what preparation for earning a living they should encourage their offspring to embrace. Since almost every line of work could become obsolete I introduce the perspective of cost-efficiency and speed in getting out of the gate. In addition, get them in the game early. Yes, caregiving, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, walking dogs, cleaning, developing AI tools and more. 

Careers? So Over. It’s about Earning a Good Living. No matter what.

Complimentary consultation. No Pressure. Street-smart Guidance. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.


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