Yes, perhaps Harvard is just a brand name. I am sure many of you have heard about the top class Harvard University. And maybe a few of you managed to go there. I am one of the many who did not. After watching a TV programme showing the process from freshmen to graduation, I developed a new meaning of Harvard. One of the graduates said, ‘Harvard is a brand.’
But is it? Many people wish they had enrolled into certain universities or academic programs. Some may feel second class because of the university or college they attend.
The Ability To Use The Tool Is What Matters.
Understand that the course that you did is a tool to take you where you want to go. Having a tool is not the end it self, but the ability to use the tool well is critical in the long term. After 35 to 40 years of working it does not matter where you studied or even if you did study after all.
I recently met two guys who studied at Harvard about 10 to 15 years ago. I found out that they are just performing normal, like anyone from universities around. It got me thinking ‘Is it worth it to go to Harvard, or do an MBA or PhD?’
It always comes to the point that qualifications are tools. Take a fool to Harvard, it comes back a Harvard branded fool.
I agree that qualifications gives you an advantage or a head start, but to maintaining the long term lead or success, it no longer about qualifications. It is about you.
In Marriage Too
Just like in marriage. Everyone wants someone with outstanding physical appearance but a happy long marriage is based on loving and mutual understanding. Physical appearance can give you a head start (and maybe also a head exit) but getting along with each other along the way is the glue that keeps you together.
Now, the main problem is that most people who did not make it to college get discouraged that they did not make it and spend the next three or four years mourning and doing nothing meaningful, instead of utilising the options at hand.
Develop your Gifting is the Key
Your success lies in identifying and developing your gifting, and the ability to see opportunities and exploiting them. It lies in your ability to use the options you have to move forward, navigating your journey through the storms. Remember you may never have everything you want.
Do not be afraid when these guys from ‘Harvard’ come and have big pay checks. The truth be told, in five or ten years’ time you can be doing better than them. Learn to leverage you available options and maintain a good positive attitude. Life is like a 40km marathon. The one leading the first 100m is most likely not the one who will win. Sprinting to lead the first 100m is good, but if you do not have the endurance and consistency you will not make it.
You Do Not Have To Miss Your ‘Harvard.’
If you miss your ‘Harvard,’ and think that you are hopeless, stop it and put up a strategy to get yourself into the game and on track. Dust up your attitude and planning. It is not a branded tool that make one succeed (of course we all like a branded tools), but it is how you use and take care of your tool on long term basis.
Many people who succeeded like Warren Buffet, Bill Gate and the Facebook founder did not graduate at ‘Harvard.’ They dropped out or they were told they are ‘not Harvard material.’ However they saw other opportunities and the focused on them.
To conclude, I do not mean that Harvard is not a superior institution but rather emphasising the fact that even if you do not make it to a ‘glorified institution’ you can still archive great things in life.
Share this with you college friends.
Please share your thoughts, ideas and comments below!
© Copyright 2013 by It’s My Footprint, www.itsmyfootprint.com/blog.