Elon Musk and Google Dont Care About Degrees

Elon Musk and Google Dont Care About Degrees When one of the worlds fruchtwein successful business people says he doesnt think you need a degree to get hired, its worth listening to the points he has to make.In a 2014 interview with Jobs didnt graduate from college, and given the gunst der stunde he (and you) would certainly be remiss not to hire him. What does matter to Musk, is evidence of exceptional ability. He continues to explain that, if theres a track record of exceptional achievement, then its likely that that will continue into the future. And Musk isnt alone in his thinking.Google is also giving less weight to where you went to college, and paying more attention to the qualities applicants bring to the table. In a 2015 interview with CNN, Laszlo Bock, Googles Head of People Operations, explained what Google actually looks for when hiring and highlighted fur key things1. Problem SolversThis is an evaluation of cognitive ability, in other words, how well you solve problems.2 . LeadersNot merely on paper leaders (i.e. youve held a leadership position), but people who can step in and solve problems, or step aside to let someone else solve problems when that makes the most sense.3. GoogleynessWhile youve certainly heard about culture fit, being a key criterion for getting a job in 2018, at Google diversity is valued over conformity. Its not, Are you like, us We actually look for people who are different, because diversity gives us great ideas, Bock explained.4. Intellectually Humble When it comes to character, according to Bock, Google wants to hire people who are willing to admit when theyre wrong and people who think like owners, not employees. While Googles Head of People Operations doesnt go so far as to say that you dont need a degree at all, he does say that the company is focusing on degrees a lot less than it used to because simply put, they arent a true indicator of performance. Further, he explains that high grades only indicate performance for t he first two years, and thats it.So, while its helpful to know that we arent limited by where we went to school and how we did, when it comes to the modern job hunt the question that remains is why. If our culture has bought so deeply into the notion that everyone needs to go to college in order to be top performers when they enter the workforce, why is that seemingly no longer true?Genius marketer and bestselling author Seth Godin published a 50,000-word manifesto called Stop Stealing Dreamsabout the origin of our current education system and his opinion as to why it isnt working anymore. Did he sell it? No. Seth put it on the Internet, for free, to start the conversation about our education system, where it comes from, and why and how it needs to change. I strongly urge you to read it in full, but here are a few key takeaways that shed light on why Elon Musk and Google no longer give college education the weight it once carried1. Our current educational system was designed to bree d factory workersWhen our current educational system was designed, we were making our way as a culture into a post-industrial revolution world. This meant that school as designed to produce optimal workers. Two of the top characteristics our system is designed to cultivate? Competence, and conformity, neither of which will get you anywhere in todays highly competitive workforce. Instead of competence and conformity, todays children need to learn leadership and problem-solving, which are exactly the qualities Musk and Bock appear to value.2. Weve moved from an information economy to a connection economyWhereas once schools were the source of information, with teachers as the gatekeepers, today information is abundant. Theres no piece of information a teacher standing in front of a classroom can offer to a child that cant be found for free on the Internet with a single search. What students need is an environment (and leadership within that environment) that fuels a desire to connect, ask questions, and discover solutions, with teachers promoting passion and big dreams instead of fear and limitations.Whether youre deciding whether to go to college, or considering what to do with your children, or figuring out how to stay competitive in the job market years after your schooling is complete, the message above is consistent and clear to truly stand out in a sea of on paper qualified applicants, pursue experiences both in work and outside of it that cultivate your character, and then create for yourself a legacy of exceptional achievement. Once you do that, send your application over to Elon Musk.--Melody Godfred is the founder ofFred and Far, A Self Love Movement, and creator of The Self Love Pinky Ring. She is passionate about empowering women to choose themselves and commit to practicing self-love and self-care on a daily basis. Melody is also the founder ofWrite In Color, Los Angeles leadingresumewriting service. Her career advice has been featured onForbes, Inc . and The Muse. Connect with her directly on instagramfredandfaror melodygodfred.