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They say your alma mater defines your life. If you get into a certain college or institution, your life is defined forever. But, in today’s day and age the question lies is that does alma mater really matter since today it’s significance is a subject of considerable debate. On one hand, the importance of one’s alma mater is reflected in its resources, education, and networking with peers, which significantly affects career prospects and opportunities along with one’s personal and professional development. On the other hand, many argue that certain personal qualities and experiences play a major role in defining one’s success in today’s scenario.
A prestigious alma mater can certainly open avenues to particular job opportunities and moulds a strong foundation of knowledge and valuable skills. “I think there’s still an unspoken advantage that comes from attending an elite school, whether an Ivy League in the United States or Oxbridge in the United Kingdom. Aside from the prestige of the school itself, there are enhanced alumni networks that can give a graduate a foot in the door in a competitive industry,” says Catherine Wray, a student at the University of Cambridge.
A lot of people feel a strong sense of pride in their alma mater, therefore they abide by its principles, traditions, and community. It also influences one’s values, aspirations, and beliefs and brings a certain privilege – an association that is a privilege in itself. “For me, Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) played a very important role in giving back to society. It provided me a safe space and even after graduating from there, I get to know so many things from the community of LSR. It was one of the most intellectually stimulating environment I’ve ever been a part of. It gave me freedom to think and gave me a great sense of belongingness. The brand stamp of LSR really helps me today,” says Gender Rights Activist and LSR alumni, Aanya Wig.
Having a sense of affinity and connection towards one’s institution has its own perks and benefits in the long run. The quality of education one receives can have a significant impact on that person’s knowledge, skills, opportunities and other prospects in future. Graduating from a top-notch institution indeed gives a sense of pride to its alumni and provides them with quality education and resources.
“It definitely matters in terms of pedigree, networking opportunities and being exposed to avenues of quicker advancement- especially if you have a degree from a top tier college.” says Aryan D’Rozario, an alumnus of University of Oxford.
Many times during the placement season when it’s very difficult to get the students placed, it’s ultimately the alma mater and its reputation that comes to the rescue. The reputation of institutions like IIMs or IITs can influence how a person is perceived in society and can help connect an individual with certain alumni networks. “From my personal experience, I feel it does matter in the job market quite a bit. It would be dishonest on my part to say it doesn’t. To begin with, certain institutions carry a heavier weight in the job market often allowing you to negotiate a higher pay package. Having said that, your alma mater can at most give you the benefit of a head start, beyond that, one would have to prove themselves no matter where they graduated from” says Delhi-based journalist Adrija Roychowdhury.
Graduating from a prestigious institution has its perks in society and the job market along with enhancing one’s credibility in certain fields. The university one goes to in many cases ends up determining what jobs and masters opportunities a person has access to later. “Alma maters are much more than centres of knowledge or discipline. They are repositories of powerful ideas and diverse cultures. A vast sea of humanity that influences the way you think, and perceive the world you inhabit. I’ve studied history for five years now, but most of my professors and friends have constantly nudged me to look beyond the discipline. I’ve learnt that studying anything in isolation is a futile exercise. This teaching
imparted to me by my University space has transformed the way I conduct my research” says Delhi University alumni and Academician Noyonika Bhattacharya.
However, it’s essential to note that it’s not the sole determining factor of success. In today’s day and age it is valid to argue that one can go ahead and create opportunities for themselves. It’s important to recognize that an individual’s success in life depends upon several factors, work ethics, skills, efforts, and determination, rather than depending upon a prestigious alma mater. “While a good institute provides you with a conducive environment, exposure and is a good launching pad when you get into a profession, it is not the sole criteria to define one’s success in a particular field. Often, people fail to grow into the real world and adapt to its situations” says Rashi Mishra, a journalist and Masters candidate at the City University of London.
Many successful people have gone to achieve great things in life without going to top tier colleges and relying solely upon their determination, hard work, and skill. An individual’s success in life is multi-faceted and a complex interplay of several elements. A prestigious institution is just one piece of the puzzle. While attending a prestigious institution might provide certain advantages, however ultimately it’s the combination of individual effort and determination that defines one’s trajectory of life. Success is a deeply personal journey that transcends institutional affiliations.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint