I need to caveat this post with the fact that on my bucket list is to get my MBA from Harvard.  That being said, don’t hire people who went to grad school.

I read this article on the American Express Open Forum and agree with much of it.  This quote stuck out most;

most people who went to grad school did it to prolong adolescent needs for grade-based approval. (Note: This analysis comes from writers at the Chronicle for Higher Education.) This is because the model of grad school is generally outdated for today’s workforce, and high performers see this before they enroll. But people who are scared to try holding their own in the workforce see grad school as a way around the inevitable difficulties of finding a job one enjoys.

I agree with a lot of this.  Going to graduate school should be about getting specific, useful information that will directly impact your chosen field. Examples include going to Med School or getting a Master in Chemistry to work for a drug company. Unfortunately, most people don’t go for these reasons.

I have never required a degree when I hire.  I don’t require an MBA, BA, NBA, and NHL or a NAACP.  I don’t care. In sales and business it doesn’t matter.  I need someone who can solve problems, is capable of developing and executing to plans, is able to see the big picture, is creative, has drive and the business acumen to out perform everyone else.  Business school doesn’t teach this.

If you were hiring for a position in the Fortune 500, a recent grad from a top 10 business school might be a good bet. But since you are actually hiring for a small business, ask yourself: Why did this person just dump $100,000 into a business degree instead of dumping into their own company?

If the person doesn’t believe in themselves enough to give their own ideas a shot, why should you believe in them?

This is a good question.

When I hire, I look for people who have bet on themselves. The first question I ask is, “Tell me about yourself.”   I then just sit back and listen. I’m listening for things like them starting a club in H.S. or traveling around Europe with money they saved from working. (Not from Mom and Dad)  I listen for stories about leading an initiative for a non-profit or speer heading a community fund raiser.  What I want to hear is how they have taken initiative in their life and why they did it.  When it comes to new hires I don’t need a graduate degree, I need someone who can get stuff done.