[Augustine23573]

I have a bachelor's degree magna cum laude from a state university, and two master's degrees. The more materialistic, superficial part of me wishes someone had taken me aside (think of Dustin Hoffman in THE GRADUATE) and said 'Son, I am just going to say one word to you: NETWORKING.' A mediocre education from an institution that allows you to plug into a network of alumni who can help you is well worth the time and money --- if you want to get ahead in life based more upon social relationships than anything else, that is. But if you just go to whatever school your finances and circumstances allow, no matter if your grades are stellar (and more importantly, if you actually learn and retain what you learned!), you will have to prove yourself based upon your abilities, and you will have few if any natural allies. But at least you are free and any achievements will be yours alone, not yours based upon obligations to others. Of course, a combination of ability and effective networking can be very potent too. But if you want to get on the 'fast track' and have to choose between the two, sad to say, networking is the way. Just be aware that you sacrifice a great deal of your individuality and, potentially, your principles in so doing. I would rather be free, talented, with a modest income, doing something I enjoy doing alongside people I like, and be able to live according to my deeply felt convictions. (Incidentally, technical skill can give you an 'end run' around a lot of social conventions and conformity, but that was one choice I didn't have.)

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Name : Augustine23573, Gender : M, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Catholic, Age : 40, City : Columbia, State : SC Country : United States, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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