People getting crap jobs from HYPS?

[Anonymous]

Why do highly credentialed HYPS grads accept crap jobs after graduation?

My neighbor’s son is a senior at a HYPS right now, and she told me that her son just accepted a job offer after graduation. When I asked her what the job is, she told me that her son is moving to Oregon to be a full-time whitewater kayaking instructor.

I was bewildered by this. With a math degree from HYPS, I would assume he’d get a great job offer at graduation.

Oh and for the record, it’s not like he is a rich kid who can rely on his parents — he is solidly middle class and went to his college on a good amount of financial aid.

[Anonymous]

Why is that even surprising? No one owes you a good living just because you went to these schools. So much depends on your personality, drive, interviews, and yes connections for which HYPS do not have a monopoly on.

[Anonymous]

If he didn’t do any relevant internships, has a poor GPA and didn’t do research, he’s not nearly the hot commodity that you think he should be.

[Anonymous]

Um, maybe he just wants to kayak for a while?

[Anonymous]

To a 22 yo, that doesn't sound like a crap job

[Anonymous]

For fun and because they are not super career-focused. I know a few former elite college grads who became ski bums, rafting guides, or fishing guides immediately after college for a year or two - they were generally upper class kids who had it made.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For fun and because they are not super career-focused. I know a few former elite college grads who became ski bums, rafting guides, or fishing guides immediately after college for a year or two - they were generally upper class kids who had it made.

But that’s the thing — this kid is not upper class.

[Anonymous]

In what way is he “highly credentialed”?

[Anonymous]

Yolo OP. He will be fine. MYOB

[Anonymous]

It is my understanding that single-majoring isn’t enough nowadays.

[Anonymous]

That sounds amazing.

[Anonymous]

OP, what is really bewildering is why you are bewildered by this. Maybe he just wants to have fun before settling down for a 9-5 job. I wouldn't be so quick to judge others as long as I have not walked in their shoes.

[Anonymous]

He went through a crazy, abnormal college experience with Covid.

[Anonymous]

So you’re making a sweeping generalization based on an n of 1? You have no idea what went into the decision to take that job.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps he did something you’re not aware of that wouldn’t let him pass a background check or clearance.