A former Google CEO, Parminder Singh, has criticized individuals who falsely claim to be alumni of Ivy League institutions without completing a degree program there. Singh expressed disappointment after encountering a candidate who listed “Harvard alumnus” on their CV, only to reveal that they had only completed a short four-week course at Harvard. Singh emphasized that being a graduate of a top-level institute involves a rigorous selection process and significant time spent with peers who have also completed similar processes. Taking a short paid course at Harvard, such as one in entrepreneurship, does not qualify an individual as a Harvard student in Singh’s opinion.
Singh, who currently works as Tatler Asia’s chief operating officer, cautioned job seekers against deceptive practices on social media and urged honesty in presenting qualifications. He shared a personal experience of completing an executive education course at Kellogg and being mistaken for a Kellogg alum, leading him to remove the reference from his CV. Singh emphasized the importance of integrity over claiming prestigious institute affiliations falsely.
The issue of individuals misrepresenting themselves as Ivy League alumni was also discussed in the comments section, with users highlighting how such claims undermine the hard work of genuine students who have gone through the proper selection processes. Some users pointed out instances where even high-ranking executives of major companies proudly label themselves as Ivy League students on platforms like LinkedIn, despite only completing short courses at these institutions. Others stressed the clarity of eligibility criteria for using the “alum” label, emphasizing that it is not a gray area.
In conclusion, Singh’s criticism of individuals falsely claiming Ivy League alumni status serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in the professional world. By attempting to take shortcuts and misrepresent qualifications, individuals risk losing credibility and trust among employers. Singh’s post resonated with many users, prompting discussions on the value of genuine educational achievements and the need for transparency in presenting qualifications.
Article Source
https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/ex-google-md-disappointed-to-see-harvard-alum-on-candidate-s-cv-here-s-why-101718938780378-amp.html