Why The Hiring Process For Students In Higher Education Is A Lot Like A Hollywood Talent Contest Today

It used to be that to succeed in college -- and for that matter, in life -- one needs to have good and solid credentials or accomplishments to show off in the curriculum vitae. But it's not the case for those studying to get degrees in technology or business schools today. It seems that being the smartest and most diligent student in class doesn't guarantee the person landing a good job anymore.

These days, opportunities in the tech and business sectors are more about student's capabilities or "talents" and less about grades or credentials. Tech Crunch likens this trend to Hollywood, wherein students of higher education who are looking for jobs must be able to demonstrate just how talented they are to future employers.

For instance, some tech companies have apparently been hiring college kids based solely on their ability to code. Interviews, in this case, become inconsequential in the hiring process where the employer might not even have to consider the student's school.

This is one of the reasons why Silicon Valley gives college education the least value because it is talent that matters more, much like in Hollywood. "Employers are interested in what skills you bring and how these skills can be used in their business," said Silicon Valley's Kris Stadelman, via Time.

The scenario is the same for those in business courses, where higher education students need to have an ample portfolio of presentations or papers to showcase to future employers. According to the Tech Crunch story, online work samples have boomed in recent years among university students and alumni. This is largely because employers are now using sites like Portfololium to look for talented individuals with substantial materials to showcase.

Now, this trend poses a challenge for higher education institutions. If a college or university doesn't adapt to the current system and come up with a process that will enable students to showcase their talents through technology or good programs, then students likely to be motivated to take up higher education in the future could become fewer.

Do you agree with this observation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!