Finding Success as a High School Dropout with Christopher Zara

If you have ever felt insecure about your education, or if your lack of a degree has held you back from pursuing the life you wanted, this conversation is for you. Christopher Zara, Senior Editor at Fast Company and author of "Uneducated: A Memoir of Flunking Out, Falling Apart, and Finding My Worth", is proof that traditional paths aren't the only routes to success. Despite  dropping out of high school, Christopher defied the odds and carved out a successful career in journalism without a college degree. 

We discuss the educational requirements that prevent many from pursuing work they meant for, and the unattainable, and often unnecessary  expectations of higher education. In addition to the absurd costs of college degrees, the extreme  competition is making college out of reach for the majority of students. Although a college degree is almost always a hiring requirement  for a top media organization, this was not always the case. Earlier in our country’s history, journalists came from a variety of blue collar backgrounds. While no one is arguing against the value of a college education, there are also unfortunate trade-offs to the public when journalists don’t represent the majority of Americans.

Christopher was lucky that his teachers noticed  and encouraged his skills in writing. At age 35 when Corstoopher realized he wanted more from his life, he pitched  his first article to a magazine, which was accepted. This pivotal moment set him on a path that would eventually lead to his role at Fast Company. Christopher’s story is an example of following the path that feels right to you even when you dont fit into the conventional path.

Don't miss Christopher's inspiring story and join us in rethinking the role of education in our lives. Whether you're a student, a parent, or someone considering a career change, this episode will encourage you to forge your own path.

https://www.fastcompany.com/user/christopher-zara

 

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Timestamps:

• 6:21 Christopher Zara says teachers encouraged him to pursue journalism
• 7:22 About 10% of working journalists at that time did not go to college
• 13:53 How did you, how did you know writing was your thing
• 21:47 In the past, journalists typically were not highly educated
• 28:13 If you're an overtly conservative person in a newsroom, you might feel inhibited
• 31:35 over imposter syndrome after writing a book
• 35:36 What do you read to stay up to date on current events
• 39:05 Do you think the value of education is going to start declining in near future
• 45:29 What advice would you give to aspiring journalists without a college degree
• 47:47 Christopher Zara: A lot of hiring managers are relying on resume filters