Education is no substitute for ambition, so what else you
got?
Commentary By: Earle G. Airey III
I don’t remember where, but it stuck in my memory when I
heard the statement, “Education is no substitute for ambition” it stuck in my
mind. First I want to go on record to say that education is a powerful enabler
and good schools are invaluable. They can stir imagination and foster creative
thought. But in less that experience is put into action, a good education is no
better than none at all.
I remember a former co-worker mentioning to another that
they finished school and that act paid their dues and thus was entitled to the
same elements as others who may have this in addition to years of practical
experience. This perspective was not popular with the other co-workers. Whether
or not there was entitlement to the items in question based on education, I
have come to realize over the years that education, alone is not enough to
guarantee a successful career. Before you educators beat me with erasers let me
explain my perspective.
Now I am not attempting to define what makes successful
career, however those who desire to promote themselves professionally I suggest
that education should not substitute ambition. Ambition is one of those
elements that can serve good and evil intentions. So I don’t fault ambition in
of itself, but rather the misuse for self-serving purposes at the expense of
others. Positive ambition is a virtue, not a vice.
Quality education is important. It builds up knowledge,
which is the beginning of wisdom. However I suggest unless education is put
into motion it is nearly useless. Those who may have feel like my former
co-worker (that education alone is enough) may find himself or herself
frustrated when trying to start or advance their careers. I remember during my
graduate school commencement ceremony the keynote speaker shared, “You may have
been a part of this fraternity, or that committee. You may have been class
president or volunteered for some noble cause. However when you are sitting with
a representative of the company you are interviewing with and he or she is going
over your list of accomplishments they will ask…what else you got?” In no way do
I believe that these extracurricular activities are a waste of time. There are
even times when a waste of time has value. However one should seek out ways to
put their education to work even while still acquiring it.
To what levels will ambition push someone? Will they stretch
outside their comfort zone to make a point? To share with others? To show them
what else you got? The nature of the Internet makes this easier than ever. This
has encouraged me understand basic web building (not an area of my IT
expertise), blogging, podcasting, and other elements that help me to answer the
question, “What else I’ve got?” Giving the gift of your opinion, wisdom,
honesty, and experiences costs no more than a personal computer with Internet
connectivity. So whether you are in the midst of your collegiate or
professional career I encourage use any of these elements (or ones you are
comfortable with) that gets who you are out there.
There is no school that will teach you on how to be you.
Sorry, but you’ll have to figure that one out for yourself. However I suggest
that if the learning and subsequent sharing is done with transparency and
intentions are honorable one can make a big difference in the community. Show
the world what you are becoming or have become. Find ways to make a difference
now. Show them what else you got.
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