St. Albans School - how big a deal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If we set aside connections for a moment, can anyone tell me what I gain by hiring a STA alum, assuming all other things are equal?

So, let's say I have two applications in front of me. Both attended well-regarded graduate programs in public policy. Both have 3 years of experience living overseas.

Is there any reason to choose the STA alum? Basically, is there any reason to assume that someone who got into St. Alban's did so because they are de facto a cut above? Is it a meritocracy?

You may or may not get connections, but you are perhaps more likely to hire someone with family and roots in dc, who knows dc, and who would be more likely to stay in dc. If your business is such that you invest a lot in training and integration the first few years, in hopes that the best employees will stay long term, this can be very valuable and may tip the scales all else being equal. I went to a relatively unknown local high school and listed it for my first job out of law school (well, for the summer job at a firm I then went to after clerking). Multiple interviewers asked me about the school, whether we knew people in common, etc., and I received offers at all my top choice firms (though I do t think whether I listed my high school had much to do with it). Sure, some people may put it to imply they have connection useful to an employer, which does seem a bit much. I just put it to emphasize that I was coming home to dc and planned to stay. My parents had since moved so I couldn't use their old address, and an adult using their parents' house as an address has it's own issues in perception I would guess.

I'm guessing different businesses work differently. At my firm, no way would HR have a cut in hiring/ranking attorney applicants. And, we care if people are dedicated to DC because aren't a as added with offices everywhere.

If I were applying to Google, as others have mentioned, I'd take a different perspective. But I wasn't, so I didn't.

You're right -- it didn't. It merely gave the interviewers something to talk about. And you listed a "relatively unknown local high school," not St Albans, so interviewers were less likely to be turned off.

Your anecdote doesn't add much to the discussion.

I'm so sorry you are unable to extrapolate. Perhaps STA grads may be in the same situation I was, and also wanting to emphasize local ties. After three years work experience inured in the hypo, it seems late to include any school. I just think including you local high school can be helpful in getting your first professional job in your home town, whether your school is well known or not. I'm so sorry for eating you time sharing my "anecdote " while you are sharing your omniscient wisdom. For clarity, I'm one if the earlier posters who has also been doing associate hiring at a high-regarded law firm since the 1990s. Because I was addressing why people may include local schools, I examined my own thinking. Is that clear enough for you?

This is not a thread on whether to list one's local high school on a resume. It's a thread on whether listing an elite prep school on your resume is helpful or hurtful. So, you're right, I am unable to extrapolate, because it can't be done.

Oh, and I, too, am one of the former posters with many years of hiring experience at a top DC law firm -- meaning that you can't even speak for most of your own industry, yet again "most employers" in DC.

Never said I spoke for "most employers" in any market or industry. I've only shared my experience. Honestly, what on Earth is wrong with you? Is it so unbelievable to you that others may not share your presumption that applicants from two different local high schools, one well-known and one not, make decisions on the same practical reasons? That not everyone assumes the worst motives of grads of elite schools? We have had different experiences, or have different presumptions when we read a resume. Not a big deal.

That we've had different experiences in the same industry is precisely the point. Indeed, you yourself said that you don't think that listing your high school made a difference. So why list an elite prep school when, at best, it won't make a difference and, at worst, it could turn people off?

And, to be clear, I've never suggested that it turned ME off. I just smile when I see it -- which, again, is rare -- and think it's funny. What I'm reporting is that, based on my own personal experience, others aren't so kind.

[Anonymous]

Guess I've learned that I have some issues to work out because alums from a very special DC prep school don't agree with me. Wow. No wonder STA grads are happy to be sentenced to serve 30 years wearing a necktie sitting in traffic writing legal briefs if it paid make believe rich money. And yes, it is kind of funny when a UC Irvine grad like me sells his business to a private equity firm goes home for dinner at 5 while the blue blood documents lawyers work away. I didn't get a prep school or Ivy diploma and if I've learned one thing in business it would be none of those schools have departments offering degrees in having balls, courage, toughness and an undeniable work ethic. That is exactly why local prep dolts have the well paid pedantic roles in life they do, and are not the ones to start a business and someday have the thrill to make a real difference and employ a lot of people who support families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If we set aside connections for a moment, can anyone tell me what I gain by hiring a STA alum, assuming all other things are equal?

So, let's say I have two applications in front of me. Both attended well-regarded graduate programs in public policy. Both have 3 years of experience living overseas.

Is there any reason to choose the STA alum? Basically, is there any reason to assume that someone who got into St. Alban's did so because they are de facto a cut above? Is it a meritocracy?

You may or may not get connections, but you are perhaps more likely to hire someone with family and roots in dc, who knows dc, and who would be more likely to stay in dc. If your business is such that you invest a lot in training and integration the first few years, in hopes that the best employees will stay long term, this can be very valuable and may tip the scales all else being equal. I went to a relatively unknown local high school and listed it for my first job out of law school (well, for the summer job at a firm I then went to after clerking). Multiple interviewers asked me about the school, whether we knew people in common, etc., and I received offers at all my top choice firms (though I do t think whether I listed my high school had much to do with it). Sure, some people may put it to imply they have connection useful to an employer, which does seem a bit much. I just put it to emphasize that I was coming home to dc and planned to stay. My parents had since moved so I couldn't use their old address, and an adult using their parents' house as an address has it's own issues in perception I would guess.

I'm guessing different businesses work differently. At my firm, no way would HR have a cut in hiring/ranking attorney applicants. And, we care if people are dedicated to DC because aren't a as added with offices everywhere.

If I were applying to Google, as others have mentioned, I'd take a different perspective. But I wasn't, so I didn't.

You're right -- it didn't. It merely gave the interviewers something to talk about. And you listed a "relatively unknown local high school," not St Albans, so interviewers were less likely to be turned off.

Your anecdote doesn't add much to the discussion.

I'm so sorry you are unable to extrapolate. Perhaps STA grads may be in the same situation I was, and also wanting to emphasize local ties. After three years work experience inured in the hypo, it seems late to include any school. I just think including you local high school can be helpful in getting your first professional job in your home town, whether your school is well known or not. I'm so sorry for eating you time sharing my "anecdote " while you are sharing your omniscient wisdom. For clarity, I'm one if the earlier posters who has also been doing associate hiring at a high-regarded law firm since the 1990s. Because I was addressing why people may include local schools, I examined my own thinking. Is that clear enough for you?

This is not a thread on whether to list one's local high school on a resume. It's a thread on whether listing an elite prep school on your resume is helpful or hurtful. So, you're right, I am unable to extrapolate, because it can't be done.

Oh, and I, too, am one of the former posters with many years of hiring experience at a top DC law firm -- meaning that you can't even speak for most of your own industry, yet again "most employers" in DC.

Never said I spoke for "most employers" in any market or industry. I've only shared my experience. Honestly, what on Earth is wrong with you? Is it so unbelievable to you that others may not share your presumption that applicants from two different local high schools, one well-known and one not, make decisions on the same practical reasons? That not everyone assumes the worst motives of grads of elite schools? We have had different experiences, or have different presumptions when we read a resume. Not a big deal.

That we've had different experiences in the same industry is precisely the point. Indeed, you yourself said that you don't think that listing your high school made a difference. So why list an elite prep school when, at best, it won't make a difference and, at worst, it could turn people off?

And, to be clear, I've never suggested that it turned ME off. I just smile when I see it -- which, again, is rare -- and think it's funny. What I'm reporting is that, based on my own personal experience, others aren't so kind.

I think you are being intentionally dense. I do to think it made a difference in my hiring because it was one of many things an employer would consider, and most items were much more relevant (like double top ivy degrees, mag a for one, summa for the other, strong recommendations, and on point internships/part-time jobs while in school? And I received offers where I was asked about the school and where I was t. Doesn't mean I think it doesn't help to include it on the resume, I just would have done just fine without it. If I were more on the fence or if the market had been more competitive, I would have seen any distinguishing factor to be more helpful.

And to the poster above, I chose my profession because I love it. I find it intellectually stimulating and it makes me happy. I switch bed a few years ago to another attorney role in another type of organization and am loving that. Did t do it for the money though I'm as for you that you are laughing your way to the bank if that makes you happy.

[Anonymous]

It seems clear to me that for one of DC's major professions (law) it is normal and non-noteworthy to list a local HS/independent school on the resume when applying to be a summer associate or new associate. Sounds like it's more unusual/not the norm in other regions and/or professions.

I'm not sure what all the argument is about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems clear to me that for one of DC's major professions (law) it is normal and non-noteworthy to list a local HS/independent school on the resume when applying to be a summer associate or new associate. Sounds like it's more unusual/not the norm in other regions and/or professions.

I'm not sure what all the argument is about.

Exactly. I've seen lots of local independent schools on resumes. I think it's interesting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Guess I've learned that I have some issues to work out because alums from a very special DC prep school don't agree with me. Wow. No wonder STA grads are happy to be sentenced to serve 30 years wearing a necktie sitting in traffic writing legal briefs if it paid make believe rich money. And yes, it is kind of funny when a UC Irvine grad like me sells his business to a private equity firm goes home for dinner at 5 while the blue blood documents lawyers work away. I didn't get a prep school or Ivy diploma and if I've learned one thing in business it would be none of those schools have departments offering degrees in having balls, courage, toughness and an undeniable work ethic. That is exactly why local prep dolts have the well paid pedantic roles in life they do, and are not the ones to start a business and someday have the thrill to make a real difference and employ a lot of people who support families.

Pot meet kettle. Get over yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guess I've learned that I have some issues to work out because alums from a very special DC prep school don't agree with me. Wow. No wonder STA grads are happy to be sentenced to serve 30 years wearing a necktie sitting in traffic writing legal briefs if it paid make believe rich money. And yes, it is kind of funny when a UC Irvine grad like me sells his business to a private equity firm goes home for dinner at 5 while the blue blood documents lawyers work away. I didn't get a prep school or Ivy diploma and if I've learned one thing in business it would be none of those schools have departments offering degrees in having balls, courage, toughness and an undeniable work ethic. That is exactly why local prep dolts have the well paid pedantic roles in life they do, and are not the ones to start a business and someday have the thrill to make a real difference and employ a lot of people who support families.

Way to generalize about people.

[Anonymous]

STA families sound like inbred British families with kids up to at least Roman numeral IV except for the bad teeth and occasional passable looks.

[Anonymous]

St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire is another very revered and highly respected Episcopal private school with long and hallowed traditions, as is St. Albans, whose graduates may also be inclined to emphasize and include their private high school education on their resumes, to emphasize that they are part of a select group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If we set aside connections for a moment, can anyone tell me what I gain by hiring a STA alum, assuming all other things are equal?

So, let's say I have two applications in front of me. Both attended well-regarded graduate programs in public policy. Both have 3 years of experience living overseas.

Is there any reason to choose the STA alum? Basically, is there any reason to assume that someone who got into St. Alban's did so because they are de facto a cut above? Is it a meritocracy?

To get one of the 22 letters you will need to join Chevy -:

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire is another very revered and highly respected Episcopal private school with long and hallowed traditions, as is St. Albans, whose graduates may also be inclined to emphasize and include their private high school education on their resumes, to emphasize that they are part of a select group.

Troll much?

[Anonymous]

Is there any reason to choose the STA alum? Basically, is there any reason to assume that someone who got into St. Alban's did so because they are de facto a cut above? Is it a meritocracy?

To get one of the 22 letters you will need to join Chevy -:

Do I need 22 letters if I can afford to give members and their STA kids a helicopter ride? Just me asking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So I am screening resumes, and more than one applicant listed there high school - St. Albans - of the 700 or so other resumes, none listed high schools. What gives? A bit presumptous, eh?

I think STA is a highly rigorous school that requires hard work and dedication to graduate from. I would be happy to hire an STA alum because I would know they were responsible and have a good work ethic. You can't do 4-5 hours of work a night in high school and be irresponsible. So yes I would think it would be advantageous to out that down. Schools like STA can be more difficult than many colleges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't the point of all of this that an applicant should consider the employer's culture and make the choice accordingly? DC isn't Menlo Park, and Menlo Park isn't DC. Just be strategic, know your audience, and take that into account.
And to the Google poster, I know many very happy people working at Google in California as well as a few here in DC. There are, though, good reasons people may not want to work in Google's dc shop given other options. It's certainly not because the applicants aren't innovative or aren't risk takers, just that they don't think the DC office work opportunity is worth the risk. Also, the few senior people I know at Google's dc office have all of their kids in private school, so not surprisingly there seems to be some difference of opinion even among those in Blessed Google's lobbying shop.

I am another west coast poster, the one who attended a highly-regarded west coast school, and whose classmates never use the school as a resume line. This is the case even when applying in the west coast region where its mention would certainly open doors, as many of the pertinent industry's most influential people currently have, or have had, connections to that school.

The difference might be that Washington, DC is essentially a small town compared to the other areas of this country where the influence of these peer schools matter. It is a bit like residing in a small southern town, where the place one attended high school still matters. In New York or San Francisco it is considered more a peculiar "affectation" to cling to one's high school on a resume, even a highly elite private school, when those cities are so large, with so many people coming from well-regarded private and public high schools from across the region and around the country. The west coast, in particular, also values and embraces an egalitarian ethos.

I disagree. Many hiring people in DC would view high school name dropping in exactly the same way you describe. While DC is a small city, it is incredibly transient, and a huge number of people in DC came from somewhere else and know nothing about the local schools below college unless and until they have kids -- and people here tend to have kids late.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would note as well that the first people to go through resumes in many organizations are middle class women of color, as they dominate HR departments in any organization where I've ever worked.

I would be very cautious about assuming that's a demographic that will be impressed by a $40,000 a year, 75% white, high school.

STA grads prob wouldn't send their resumes in to HR. They send them to their buddies or their buddies' parents to walk down to the hiring manager who then tells said woman to call the STA grad.