The Debate: Public Universities Vs. Ivy League

We've noticed education tends to be a hot-button subject among eFC users. This week's comments provide confirmation.

Curing the 'Nowhere University' Syndrome

Several users wrote to endorse our story's premise that graduates of top private universities enjoy a leg up in hiring decisions, whether justified or not.

"Despite earning licenses, a charter, and authoring publications, I do believe that my career path and compensation level have been restrained by the lack of a 'name' degree," wrote Older and Wiser, who works in Credit. "Even 20 years after graduation, I am asked where I went to college (and, I suspect, am disregarded for it). If I had the chance to do it over, I'd go to the finest college name (not necessarily program) that I could wangle myself into. The name is really the only thing that mattered in my case."

Alpha, who works in asset management, voiced a different perspective. "I graduated from a virtually unknown university in a third world country (albeit with first class honors), and ended up working with a top-tier investment bank and currently as CEO of a $2 billion asset management firm. Attitude, aptitude, passion...they all count. It helps to be smart too. Good luck !"

Add your two cents here.

In Networking, Making Introductions Pays Off

Networking "is one of the only ways you can progress from a nobody to a somebody, or from somebody, to a greater somebody," wrote Jemk, from trading.

Chandrashekhar, who works in corporate banking, adds this caveat, which is also mentioned in the story: "Of course networking is important -- but please be very selective when adding people to your network or when recommending somebody from your network to others."

Add your comments here.

You can comment on any of our stories. Just post your thoughts in the area immediately following each item. Or, write us at USeditor@efinancialcareers.com. We'd love to hear from you.