- College rankings don’t predict career success.
- Employers prioritize skills, experience, and adaptability.
- Networking and mentorship drive long-term growth.
- Continuous learning keeps professionals competitive.
A fancy degree may turn heads, but it doesn’t guarantee a fulfilling or successful career. While college rankings are often treated as a proxy for future achievement, the truth is more nuanced—and far more empowering. The factors that shape long-term success aren’t found in a U.S. News list. They’re built through hands-on experience, strong relationships, and a commitment to continuous learning.
If you’re early in your career or looking to grow in your current role, it’s worth asking: What really drives professional success, and how much does your alma mater actually matter?
Why rankings don’t tell the whole story
There’s no denying the social capital that comes with attending a highly ranked college or university. For some, it can provide a foot in the door—at least for that first job. But prestige fades fast if it’s not paired with real-world ability. Increasingly, hiring managers are placing less weight on where you studied and more on what you can do.
In fact, many employers are openly rethinking their approach to education. Major companies like Google, IBM, and Tesla have eliminated degree requirements for many roles, instead focusing on portfolios, certifications, and demonstrated skill. For hiring managers, a candidate who can solve problems, communicate clearly, and adapt to new challenges is far more valuable than one who simply holds a degree from a well-known institution.
The myth of the elite degree guaranteeing success is just that: a myth. And for early-career professionals, that’s good news. It means your trajectory isn’t locked in by where you started.
What really drives career growth
If a top-tier diploma isn’t the key to advancement, what is? Career success tends to hinge on three interconnected pillars: skills and experience, networking and mentorship, and adaptability.
- Skills and experience are your professional foundation. Employers want team members who can deliver results, navigate real challenges, and bring value from day one. Whether it’s data analysis, project management, design thinking, or customer engagement, developing hands-on, job-relevant skills is what builds trust and leads to advancement. Those skills grow fastest through doing—internships, freelance work, volunteering, side projects, and even stretch assignments in your current role.
- Networking and mentorship play a critical role in creating opportunities. Who you know can often get your foot in the door, and who knows you can be the difference between being considered and being hired. Building authentic relationships—through LinkedIn, industry events, or even internal coffee chats—can expose you to hidden opportunities and help you navigate your path more strategically. Mentorship, in particular, can accelerate growth by providing insights, feedback, and sponsorship that can’t be found in a textbook.
- Adaptability and lifelong learning are the long game. Industries shift. Skills evolve. And those who stay curious, proactive, and open to change are the ones who stay relevant. Whether it’s pursuing certifications, attending workshops, or simply staying up-to-date with your field’s trends, continued learning signals to employers that you’re invested in your growth—and that you’re ready for what’s next.
Building success—wherever you started
No matter where you went to school (or if you went at all), there are clear, actionable ways to invest in your future. Start by identifying where you want to go and what skills are in demand in that space. Then, work backward. What projects, courses, or roles could help you close that gap?
Practical experience is one of the most valuable things you can pursue. Internships, contract work, or even leading an internal initiative at your current job can all build your résumé and show future employers what you’re capable of. Don’t wait for permission to start developing your expertise.
At the same time, be intentional about your professional relationships. Build your presence on platforms like LinkedIn, not just by posting but by engaging—commenting, sharing insights, and connecting with people doing the work you admire. Attend webinars, reach out to people in your field, and, when possible, ask thoughtful questions. Many career-defining conversations start with a single message or coffee chat.
And finally, prioritize your own growth. Whether it’s a certification in your industry, a microcredential from an online platform, or simply reading consistently in your field, staying sharp is part of staying relevant. Your learning doesn’t end with a diploma—it evolves with your ambition.
Success isn’t where you started—it’s what you build
At the end of the day, your career isn’t defined by the logo on your degree—it’s shaped by the choices you make every day. The skills you build, the people you connect with, and the mindset you bring to new challenges matter more than any ranking ever could.
So if you didn’t go to a top-ranked college—or if you did but you’re still figuring things out—know this: You have more control than you think. Career growth isn’t about where you begin. It’s about how you show up, stay ready, and keep building.
Josh Kruk is the Director of Digital Marketing at Canisius University. With extensive experience in content strategy, website optimization, and campus culture, he specializes in driving digital growth through data-driven marketing and SEO.
