Scott Alexander had a wonderful thought experiment: what if we made it illegal for employers to ask if job candidates had a college degree? What if it was treated like we treat a disability, something employers cannot use to discriminate against potential employees.
First, it would also have to be illegal for candidates to reveal their education. Otherwise employers would just look at resumes and if it didn't list a college, they'd assume they never went.
Second, this would probably cost employers money, as screening would become more rigorous. I don't know that applications for a bank president would be flooded with low skilled, high school dropouts (people will still likely apply for jobs they have a chance at getting) but there will probably be enough to increase the workload for HR.
(They could take a cue from the college admission process and require an application fee. This would at least make people question if it's worth it to apply for the bank manager position.)
The outcome of this screening process is what fascinates me. How will they ask the candidates to show their worth? Does this put more pressure on internships and job experience?
Do employers develop aptitude tests and level the playing field for non graduates? Do they become country clubs and require referrals from current employees, making it more elitist than the current system?
This idea also puts pressure on colleges. Now building human capital becomes more important than ever. Students will expect more out of colleges. "How are you going to make me attractive to employers?"
In class, the emphasis will shift from grades to learning. In fact, grades would be pretty useless.
Graduation rates would plummet. If, by junior year, you feel you have what it takes to get a good job, what is to keep you from staying two more semesters?
I'm not sure if this would be better or worse, but it is a small tweak that would have enormous implications.
No comments:
Post a Comment