Is it just me or are HKS grads insufferable?

[Anonymous]

I've worked with a few HKS (Harvard Kennedy School) grads. They all seem to lack social skills and/or the ability to not act like they are superior to everyone around them. I have personally blocked the hire of two different HKS grads. One had been an intern and was rude and incompetent. Another interviewed with us and despite being very qualified on paper, gave everyone on the interview panel the sense she felt she was too good for us. Worked recently with a consultant who doesn't listen to us and acts like she is in charge of our division and acts shocked when we ignore her. Also have worked with people in leadership positions from HKS and they are just incredibly unpleasant to work with. Am I crazy or is there something off about HKS grads?

[Anonymous]

I'll venture that you have a chip on your shoulder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'll venture that you have a chip on your shoulder.

How so? I've been promoted quickly in my job and have great work life balance. I couldn't ask for a better career. If you've a had a good experience with HKS grads, feel free to share.

[Anonymous]

It can vary greatly, OP. There are people who go to HKS because they are smart and competent and interested in policy work and want to attend the best school they can get into. The faculty and program is top notch.

But every class also has a TON of people who are there due to money and connections (often both). Much more true for HKS than for any Ivy League undergrad program, including Harvard. Senators' kids, lots of people from wealthy/prominent foreign families. And a lot of them are horrible, plus this horribleness can rub off on some of the more normal people there.

Anyway, some of the smartest, most thoughtful, and genuinely public-interest-minded people I know went to HKS. But also a lot of complete a$$holes who think they are god's gift.

You just have to judge each on the merits. I do think if you write of HKS grads as all terrible, you risk missing out on some truly exceptional people.

(I didn't go to HKS, but my spouse did)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It can vary greatly, OP. There are people who go to HKS because they are smart and competent and interested in policy work and want to attend the best school they can get into. The faculty and program is top notch.

But every class also has a TON of people who are there due to money and connections (often both). Much more true for HKS than for any Ivy League undergrad program, including Harvard. Senators' kids, lots of people from wealthy/prominent foreign families. And a lot of them are horrible, plus this horribleness can rub off on some of the more normal people there.

Anyway, some of the smartest, most thoughtful, and genuinely public-interest-minded people I know went to HKS. But also a lot of complete a$$holes who think they are god's gift.

You just have to judge each on the merits. I do think if you write of HKS grads as all terrible, you risk missing out on some truly exceptional people.

(I didn't go to HKS, but my spouse did)

I haven't written anyone off. It just so happens that every HKS grad I've encountered at work is horrible.

[Anonymous]

A senior leader at my company is a HKS grad and he is one of the most gracious, charismatic, charitable, intelligent, hard working and inspiring person I know. I’m shocked he hasn’t left business for politics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It can vary greatly, OP. There are people who go to HKS because they are smart and competent and interested in policy work and want to attend the best school they can get into. The faculty and program is top notch.

But every class also has a TON of people who are there due to money and connections (often both). Much more true for HKS than for any Ivy League undergrad program, including Harvard. Senators' kids, lots of people from wealthy/prominent foreign families. And a lot of them are horrible, plus this horribleness can rub off on some of the more normal people there.

Anyway, some of the smartest, most thoughtful, and genuinely public-interest-minded people I know went to HKS. But also a lot of complete a$$holes who think they are god's gift.

You just have to judge each on the merits. I do think if you write of HKS grads as all terrible, you risk missing out on some truly exceptional people.

(I didn't go to HKS, but my spouse did)

YES THIS

- HLS grad

[Anonymous]

Isn't HKS pretty much the Rodney Dangerfield of Harvard Grad Schools? My friend who went to Harvard for undergrad said that undergrads were limited in how many HKS classes they could take because they were so easy. I know and like a couple people who went there but neither of them thought it was a particularly rigorous program. They are both great people though and were strong coworkers.

[Anonymous]

What industry are you in?

If you are hiring KSG (not HKS) grads, it should be for a job where arrogance is standard.

[Anonymous]

You sound insufferable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You sound insufferable.

This has been really triggering for you I see

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What industry are you in?

If you are hiring KSG (not HKS) grads, it should be for a job where arrogance is standard.

I guess that's the problem, we are not a place where arrogance is desirable.

[Anonymous]

Bill O'Reilly is a HKS grad.

[Anonymous]

Doesnt surprise me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can vary greatly, OP. There are people who go to HKS because they are smart and competent and interested in policy work and want to attend the best school they can get into. The faculty and program is top notch.

But every class also has a TON of people who are there due to money and connections (often both). Much more true for HKS than for any Ivy League undergrad program, including Harvard. Senators' kids, lots of people from wealthy/prominent foreign families. And a lot of them are horrible, plus this horribleness can rub off on some of the more normal people there.

Anyway, some of the smartest, most thoughtful, and genuinely public-interest-minded people I know went to HKS. But also a lot of complete a$$holes who think they are god's gift.

You just have to judge each on the merits. I do think if you write of HKS grads as all terrible, you risk missing out on some truly exceptional people.

(I didn't go to HKS, but my spouse did)

I haven't written anyone off. It just so happens that every HKS grad I've encountered at work is horrible.

Maybe The best students are getting better offers and yiur company is getting the leftovers at the bottom of the barrel. You’d prob do better to aim for top students at “lesser” schools.