For many on the left of the political spectrum, socialism is a great concept.
So why does it not work in practice?
The usual leftist response is that it has just never been properly implemented.
But could it ever be? (more…)
On 02/05/2012, In Economics, Formal Education, By Jordan Wilson
On 12/29/2011, In Formal Education, By Jordan Wilson
Many readers are on vacation after final exams.
Exams are usually a difficult process. The tests highly challenging.
Hopefully you learned things that will help in life.
When faced with your next nightmarish test, think of the students at King William’s College.
Each year they face an exam where 5% is considered a good score. Yes, only five percent.
Now that is one tough exam! (more…)
On 12/22/2011, In Formal Education, By Jordan Wilson
Smart companies hire less on a candidate’s grade point average and more on what the applicant can actually do.
As I have written on more than one occasion, it is almost impossible to compare marks between applicants. The grading system fluctuates between institutions. And the quality of post-secondary graduates differs between education systems.
Today a brief example of how education systems hurt future employees. (more…)
On 11/03/2011, In Career, Finding a Job, Formal Education, Professionalism, Staff Management, By Jordan Wilson
At times I have my doubts.
Sure, you need to learn accounting skills if you want to become an accountant. Or know how to trade derivatives if you wish to become a securities trader.
But to become truly successful, you need to master the softer skills. And from what I have seen in my educational days and my career, not too mention what I read every so often in the press, you do not learn these crucial skills in school.
For example, (more…)
On 09/19/2011, In Formal Education, By Jordan Wilson
School is back in session and students are already up to their eyes in assignments.
Or up to their eyes in kegs of beer, as the case may be.
I read a good article recently concerning advice to college students. (more…)
On 07/19/2011, In Formal Education, By Jordan Wilson
In Academics Versus Extracurricular Activities, I compared the relative importance of grades versus outside interests when companies assess job candidates.
In my opinion, while grades do play a role in attracting a job offer, other factors play a greater part in the equation. And over time, the importance of grades diminishes significantly.
A lot of this has to do with the difficulty in comparing grades between schools. (more…)
On 03/26/2011, In Formal Education, By Jordan Wilson
I was asked by a reader for recommendations on universities that specialize in “wealth management” or “investment banking” studies.
It is difficult to give specific recommendations as there are so many variables that go into the right choice for each different individual. Cost, courses offered, area of specialization, distance from home, friends, location, commute, extracurricular activities, etc. All these play a part in determining the best option for a student.
And, as she is based in Singapore, my direct knowledge of universities in the region is limited. If any readers have advice, please leave a comment.
However, I can provide a few general comments on where and what to study.
How to optimize your education and increase the probability of a successful career.
My examples are finance related, but the principles relate to any field of study. (more…)
On 01/02/2011, In Formal Education, By Jordan Wilson
An interesting article, with statistics, showing that many people today possess university degrees but work in jobs that do not require them.
For what it is worth, a few quick thoughts from my side.
And as an added bonus, a lesson in investing based on the author’s analysis.
On 12/28/2010, In Career, Formal Education, By Jordan Wilson
On 12/27/2010, In Career, Formal Education, By Jordan Wilson
A reader wrote in to ask two related questions.
One, is the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation more difficult to obtain?
Two, which is the more “valuable” designation?
Interesting questions that I shall try to answer. (more…)
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