The Top 10 Myths About Career & Academic Success
1. AI Will Take All the Good Jobs
Reality: AI will eliminate some jobs, but it will create new ones. The winners will be those who adapt, build real skills, and stay ahead of automation. The losers? Those who rely on outdated degrees and expect employers to take care of them.
For more insight, explore attributes needed to succeed in the emerging economy.
2. A College Degree = A Good Job
Reality: 52% of college grads work in jobs that don’t require a degree, and $1.7 trillion in student debt proves that many aren’t seeing the payoff. What matters? A rigorous major, a high-quality university, and real-world achievements beyond the classroom.
3. Pick a Major Based on What Interests You
Reality: The median early-career salary for liberal arts majors is under $40,000, and only 27% of grads work in fields related to their major. Pick a major that’s both interesting and financially viable—or be prepared to struggle.
Learn more about selecting a major that’s great for you.
4. A Great College Essay Will Get Me In
Reality: Only 19% of colleges say essays are a major factor in admissions. Strong grades, test scores, and extracurricular achievements come first. A great story helps—if you’re already a competitive applicant.
In the meantime, you can build a personalized college short list.
5. Lower Tuition = Less Debt
Reality: Some of the most expensive schools, like Harvard and Stanford, are free for families earning under $75K. Many low-cost schools offer little financial aid, leading to more loans and lower graduation rates.
*Net cost matters more than sticker price.*
6. Job Boards = Jobs
Reality: 60-80% of jobs come from networking, not applications. Less than 3% of job board applicants even get interviews for competitive roles. Strong connections + a great profile > blindly applying.
Luckily, Backrs can help you build your networking skills.
7. A Good Employer Will Train and Take Care of Me
Reality: 15-20 million Americans are laid off every year—including from the "Best Companies to Work For." Most employers prioritize profits, not your career. The only real job security? Owning your skills, network, and adaptability.
There are always ways you can strengthen your profile.
8. You Need to Pick a Career in High School
Reality: 65% of students will work in jobs that don’t exist yet. Most adults rotate through 4-7 careers over their lifetime. High school is for exploring options, not locking into one path too soon.
Explore career paths that could deliver meaning, enjoyment, and pay the bills.
9. More Degrees = More Money
Reality: 43% of master’s programs have a negative ROI, meaning grads earn less than they would have with just a bachelor’s. Arts, humanities, and many MBA programs often leave students worse off financially. Choose wisely.
10. Entrepreneurship Is Just for Tech Bros
Reality: 80 million Americans own a business, freelance, or have a side hustle. Entrepreneurial skills—problem-solving, adaptability, initiative—are the best form of job security, whether you start a business or climb the corporate ladder.
Learn from successful entrepreneurs in Success Decoded.