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How to Restore Our Culture of Achievement

Do you know what smart people do?

They build things.

Read on to find out how.

Who Should Read “Smart People Should Build Things” and Why?

Big companies are not the drivers of economic progress. Instead, startups are pushing the world forward.

So, instead of securing a job with many benefits at a big company, smart people should follow another direction: become the innovators of tomorrow.

We recommend “Smart People Should Build Things” to all students who are contemplating about their future career choices, as well as those wanting to know why students want to work in big companies, and how this world can correct this wrong tendency.

About Andrew Yang

Andrew Yang has a background in startups and is the CEO and founder of Venture for America.

“Smart People Should Build Things Summary”

After years of diligent studying, every student has to make a decision about the path they are going to take after finishing their studies.

Where should they head to? Where should they start?

What kind of job should they look for?

Sadly, many colleges nowadays, the elite ones most of all, limit their students’ worldview and position them to look only in one direction: big, professional service companies.

Statistical data shows that most elite school graduates decide to work in finance, law or management consultancy firms.

Why?

Because they believe that these professions will bring them money and prestige – and that is what they are after.

Moreover, elite colleges prepare their students for the hard application process that these companies use to pick their future employees – the application for elite schools is equally as challenging.

Hence, these students do not have a hard time to get a place in their wanted companies, so why shouldn’t they?

Let’s not mention that all of their friends also apply for such jobs, so it is only natural that they do as well.

These companies promise them money, benefits and learning experience that they could get nowhere else.

However, despite the fact that all that we mentioned above sounds like a “dream job,” the reality is that not everyone is ready to work in such a company.

These companies do give some sort of security and benefits, but they do so at a certain price.

Usually, the workload employees have in such companies is immense, and the environment is highly competitive.

As a result, these companies attract a large number of applicants, but the turnover is big as well.

Employees are used to seeing their colleagues come and go, which makes it hard for them to develop lasting friendships, makes them constantly stressed that they will be the ones who go next, and can leave a mark on their wellbeing and happiness.

You might think that if you do not feel good in a good company, you will move to a smaller one, right?

Well, that is not as easy as you might think.

Big companies make their employees used to high salaries and other benefits, which small companies do not offer.

Just imagine the shock one receives after they lose the status that they once had, and has to start anew. Can you think of all the adjustments to the lifestyle he or she has to make?

However, that is not the only problem.

Small companies actually need employees with different approach and skills to their job. They need to get things done and get to actual solutions to their problems.

Professional service firms, on the other hand, practice a more theoretical and analytic approach.

Finally, just like in every other area in life, startups use networking as a primary recruiting source, so they usually just hire people from their own network and do not reach out to big companies.

Why are we telling you all of this?

Because you need to think if you really want to work in a big company in the long term. If you do not see yourself in such an environment, it may be easier for you if you do not get into the “race” at all, and follow a different path.

In fact, we encourage you to take a different approach.

Let’s say: start your own business.

Sadly, being smart and graduating from a good school does not mean that you will be a good businessperson.

Thankfully, you can learn how you can succeed.

What is the process that will inevitably lead you to success?

Well, it all starts with extensive preparation.

First, do thorough market research: know your competitors, know your potential customers, and know their needs.

Next, build your online presence – no company can survive without it in today’s environment.

Finally, get the people close to you excited about your idea, and reach out to investors, co-founders, and staff.

Of course, these are just the preparatory stages.

Building your own business from the ground up is not an easy task, but we assure you, it is worth the effort.

For the detailed approach, read this book and find out why smart people build things, and how they do it successfully.

Key Lessons from “Smart People Should Build Things”

1.      Most Graduates Choose their Careers for the Wrong Reasons
2.      Big Firms Imprison Elite College Graduates
3.      Big Companies are Not That Beneficial to the Economy

Most Graduates Choose their Careers for the Wrong Reasons

Only a small percentage of the elite college applicants get into their schools of choice.

Sadly, the lucky few choose their careers for the wrong reasons. Most students follow a direction in which they believe money and status await.

Big Firms Imprison Elite College Graduates

The firms everyone wants to get into, pressure college graduates to either progress and get promoted, or leave the firm.

However, it is too hard to leave these companies, since they offer all the benefits anyone could ask for.

So, what is left for employees is to work night and day and try to stay “alive” another year, and then another, and then another.

Big Companies are Not That Beneficial to the Economy

Contrary to what you may believe big companies are not the central pillar of a healthy economy. If you want to know who drives the economy forward, startups are your answer.

The problem is that big companies take up a significant market share and do not allow for many startups to develop.

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“Smart People Should Build Things” Quotes

Our Critical Review

An excellent book that will help everyone understand the job market reality and make better career choices for the right reasons.

Emir Zecovic

Emir is the Head of Marketing at 12min. In his spare time, he loves to meditate and play soccer.