America's Elite Colleges Breed High-Status Careers–and Misery
4 hours ago
- #career-funnel
- #elite-universities
- #social-inequality
- Justin Portela, a former McKinsey consultant, came from a disadvantaged background but excelled academically, earning a spot at Stanford.
- Elite universities funnel graduates into high-paying fields like finance, tech, and consulting, perpetuating inequality.
- The 'career funnel' directs students toward lucrative corporate jobs, often at the expense of public service or fulfilling careers.
- Low-income students face barriers in consulting and finance due to lack of networking and interview coaching.
- Many elite professionals in high-paying jobs report burnout, dissatisfaction, and 'occupational regret.'
- Universities prioritize wealthy alumni and corporate partnerships over encouraging diverse career paths.
- Public service careers are undervalued, with few incentives for graduates to pursue them.
- Some institutions, like Bates College, focus on purposeful work and produce more graduates in education and nonprofits.
- Portela left McKinsey, disillusioned by its culture, and advocates for more meaningful career choices.