Does Undergrad Still Matter After Graduate School?
Around a year ago, I failed out of a top target with a reputation for academic rigor, around the level of Princeton. I’ve been attending a nontarget for two semesters now, and cannot transfer because the grades for my previous school are on my transcript. I’ve networked my way into a decent front-office position at a BB, and have a 4.00 with one “W” on my transcript, for a course that I withdrew from and repeated. I also have a couple of publications in my STEM-related major.
Aside from the “W,” I think I have a decent shot at H/S/W business school, or PhD at M/S. Until now, I’d believed that aside from girls who go to top schools, nobody cares about undergrad after you finish graduate school. However, I’ve been looking through a list of top PE, HF, VCetc managers and have found that a really absurd amount went to a t-10 school for undergrad. Are my priors wrong?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your priors are partially correct but nuanced. Here's the breakdown:
Undergrad Pedigree and Graduate School:
While your undergraduate institution can play a significant role in opening doors early in your career, its importance diminishes over time, especially after obtaining a prestigious graduate degree. For example, attending a top MBA program like H/S/W or a PhD at M/S can overshadow your undergraduate background. However, the network and brand value of a top-tier undergrad can still provide subtle advantages, particularly in industries like PE, HF, and VC, where pedigree often correlates with access to elite networks.
Post-Graduate Career Impact:
Once you have a few years of work experience, your performance, achievements, and network matter far more than where you went to school. As noted in WSO threads, "grown-ups care about grown-up things," like your accomplishments and the value you bring to the table. That said, some elite firms and roles may still favor candidates with a T-10 undergrad, especially for senior-level positions or when evaluating resumes for lateral hires.
Your Specific Case:
PE/HF/VC Managers and T-10 Undergrad Representation:
The overrepresentation of T-10 undergrad alumni in top roles is real, but it doesn't mean it's a strict requirement. It reflects the optionality and network advantages that prestigious schools provide. However, as you've already secured a strong position and are targeting elite graduate programs, you're on a solid path to success.
In summary, undergrad matters less after graduate school, but it can still have residual effects in certain elite circles. Your focus should remain on excelling in your current role, building a strong network, and securing admission to a top-tier graduate program to further solidify your trajectory.
Sources: Re: Does School Prestige Matter?, Re: Does School Prestige Matter?, Does MBB care where a prospective consultant attended undergraduate if the applicant has a prestigious graduate degree?, Does school pedigree matter after getting the job?
In general after a certain period of time away from any school program, no one cares and your performance on the job is what matters. With that said, I think going to a top undergrad (HYPSM) will still be more impressive than a top grad program (HBS / GSB / W) for most within finance
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