Recently, I've been looked over two different job opportunities. That's nothing new, and nothing that will bring me down. However, the reasons behind why I was looked over annoyed me a lot. Apparently, these companies were looking for people from Ivy League schools. Seriously? That was the main reason? If it was, to me it's one of the most stupidest reasons out there to not give a job to someone who would otherwise be qualified for the job.
I do know that the difference between a well-qualified developer and an average one is usually huge. But is there really that big of a difference between a Harvard graduale and a graduate from another university with the same degree? It's not like the fundamentals of Computer Science are different anywhere else. It's not like people in Harvard use different design patterns, or use them more efficiently (or worse - come on, we're all human). I still don't understand why someone is over-looked because of the name of the university on their degree.
I guess these employers probably see that someone who graduated from one of these 'high-class' schools is a dedicated, super-smart individual. It doesn't mean that I don't have those qualities because I went to the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. Perhaps I didn't have thousands and thousands of dollars to go to one of those schools. The joke I have with my mom now ever since I told her this is that I will "never forgive her" for not sending me to an Ivy League school and ruining my life.
There are tons of smart, bright, über-talented people out there. I'm willing to bet most of them didn't go to Harvard or Brown or Yale. Don't skip a diamond in the rough because of their Alma Mater. You'd be surprised at what you can find if you broaden your views just a little bit.