Education is no substitute for ambition

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.