Former Google MD reveals why he’s not impressed with 'Harvard Alum' status on CV, cautions job seekers

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Short Courses vs. Degree Programs

Singh emphasized that being an alum of a prestigious institution implies undergoing a rigorous selection process and spending significant time with peers who have experienced the same. He stated, «A paid short-term course is a good addition to the CV but it doesn't quite qualify you as a Harvard Alum.»

Short-term courses at Harvard, often non-degree programs, range from summer school sessions to professional development courses. These differ from the full-time undergraduate or graduate programs that confer alumni status.

Personal Experience and Advice

Singh shared his personal experience to underline his point. Having completed an executive education course at Kellogg, he always clarified that it was a short-term program. «I used to make it very clear that it was a short-term course and by no means would I dare call myself a Kellogg alum,» he noted.

After an interviewer once mistakenly considered him a Kellogg alum, Singh decided to remove the reference from his CV altogether. He stressed the importance of honesty in job applications, stating, «Employers value honesty above all else. By attempting to take a shortcut like this, you risk coming across as duplicitous. It's simply not worth it. Integrity is far more valuable than any Ivy League degree.»

Reactions from Social Media Users

Singh's post sparked discussions, with many users sharing similar observations. X user Rachit Sethi