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I think the other huge benefit of college and something that is often not talked about is the social and networking aspect of being at a top-tier university. T

by jsiarto 15y ago

I think the other huge benefit of college and something that is often not talked about is the social and networking aspect of being at a top-tier university. The most meaningful things I got out of my 4 years as an undergrad and 2 as a grad student were meeting people that could truly help me in my career. While I was in college I met people that: 1. Helped me land multiple book deals with O'Reilly 2. Got me to conferences I would not usually have been able to go to. 3. Got me a great job doing design/development for the University. 4. Introduced me to the founders of Slashdot--one of whom sat on my thesis committee. 5. Allowed me to make connections with faculty and staff that have led to business contracts and even an adjunct faculty position at MSU. I would be nowhere if it wasn't for my college degree--but you have to do more than go to class--that's the easy part. Network and meet people, there will never be higher concentration of fucking brilliant and well-connected individuals as there are a major universities.

randomdata 15y ago
> there will never be higher concentration of fucking brilliant and well-connected individuals as there are a major universities. The concentration is far greater on the internet. You have virtually everyone on the planet within arms reach. It is interesting how we've failed to really utilize the medium. You and I have now made a connection. I could be the most important connection you ever make. You pobably don't care. (That goes both ways, of course)
- jsiarto 15y ago
  This is true--and I have many meaningful relationships online as well (networking is pretty much the key to success in any area--you have to know people). My connections in college seem to be a bit more meaningful though--there are the people that helped me grow and develop into the businessperson and designer I am today. Also, I do care about the connections I make here and elsewhere on the web--I'll start: I'm Jeff Siarto--I live and work in East Lansing, MI and run a small research company with my wife and college friend. I'm also the author of Head First Web Design and I enjoy building RC airplanes and amateur UAVs. I'm also a leap-year baby.

by jsiarto 15y ago

randomdata 15y ago

> there will never be higher concentration of fucking brilliant and well-connected individuals as there are a major universities. The concentration is far greater on the internet. You have virtually everyone on the planet within arms reach. It is interesting how we've failed to really utilize the medium. You and I have now made a connection. I could be the most important connection you ever make. You pobably don't care. (That goes both ways, of course)

jsiarto 15y ago
This is true--and I have many meaningful relationships online as well (networking is pretty much the key to success in any area--you have to know people). My connections in college seem to be a bit more meaningful though--there are the people that helped me grow and develop into the businessperson and designer I am today. Also, I do care about the connections I make here and elsewhere on the web--I'll start: I'm Jeff Siarto--I live and work in East Lansing, MI and run a small research company with my wife and college friend. I'm also the author of Head First Web Design and I enjoy building RC airplanes and amateur UAVs. I'm also a leap-year baby.