Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is among a growing number of executives who believe that a specific field of study is becoming less important in today’s competitive job market. Instead, he emphasizes that the ability to “do one thing really well” is what truly matters.
In an interview with Bloomberg’s Emily Chang, when asked what children should be studying today, Zuckerberg highlighted the importance of critical thinking and learning values over focusing on a specific subject. He pointed out that mastering a skill is more valuable than holding a business or economics degree, as this dedication can be applied across various business sectors.
Zuckerberg illustrated his “hiring philosophy” by referencing his daughter, who is currently 40 pages into writing a novel about mermaid crystals. He noted, “If people have shown that they can go deep and excel at one thing, they’ve likely developed the ability to learn and apply that skill to other areas.”
He also reiterated that top grades do not guarantee someone will be a strong employee. This isn’t the first time Zuckerberg has emphasized that raw talent and personality can outweigh formal credentials. Even back in 2015, he stated that he would only hire someone to work directly for him if he would be willing to work for that person himself. His team looks for individuals whose values align with those of the company.
As businesses increasingly move away from requiring degrees, Zuckerberg’s hiring philosophy is becoming more widespread. Companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Apple have all eliminated degree requirements to attract more diverse talent. In fact, recruiters are now five times more likely to prioritize skills over educational backgrounds.
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon recently disclosed that the bank has hired “four or five thousand ex-felons,” emphasizing that talent isn’t limited to those from elite colleges. He remarked, “Just because you attend an Ivy League school or have excellent grades doesn’t mean you’ll be a great worker or person.” Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has echoed similar sentiments, noting a “mismatch between the skills coming out of colleges and the skills we believe are needed for the future.”
