- Music legend Usher believes college degrees are still important in today’s economy—but they are not the end-all-be-all secret to success. He tells Gen Z graduates: “Of course it matters, but it’s not the paper that gives the power.” Instead, the “Yeah!” And “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” singer says “how you choose to show up” is more important.
Graduating from college is one of the most challenging parts of a young person’s life. However, thanks to AI and a constantly evolving job market, never before in recent times have there been so many questions about whether or not a degree is even worth it.
If singer-songwriter Usher has anything to say about it—degrees are still important, but what matters more is the person whose name is written on it.
“A diploma still matters, yes of course it matters, but it’s not the paper that gives the power, it’s you, you create the value behind that degree,” Usher said to graduates of Emory University this week.
“It is your ambition, it is your integrity, it is your hustle, it is your heart, that’s how you lead, that’s how you serve, that’s how you choose to show up when no one else is watching,” he added.
While the eight-time Grammy award winner did not attend college himself (though he now has two honorary doctoral degrees, from Emory and the Berklee College of Music), his career has embodied the theme he tried to communicate to Gen Zers who are anxious about their future: follow your passions in your career.
“Don’t be afraid to wander into space that you don’t understand; as long as you’re bringing passion with you,” he told students.
The system left Usher behind—but he carved his own path
For 46-year-old Usher, the path to success, which has led to a reported net worth of about $200 million, wasn’t easy. In fact, he said he was repeatedly misunderstood and passed on in school, but that didn’t stop him from following his dreams.
“Someone for some reason may not understand or feel the same as you do or share the same passion for your commitment, but if you can change your mindset, you can blaze a new trail within the system,” Usher said.
Appreciating the ups and downs along the journey is critical, too, he added since they ultimately build character.
“Be willing to stretch, be a little unrealistic, be a little delusional even in your pursuit of happiness and fulfillment,” Usher told students. “At the same time, be patient, be respectful of the process. Because life is filled with challenges and they will either make you or break you.”
Self-doubt is bound to happen—but it can be overcome
Considering existing Gen Z graduates have had troubles adjusting to the realities of the workplace—with some six in 10 employers have reportedly already fired workers fresh out of college—it’s no surprise that those soon to enter the workforce have some hesitation.
Even Olympic superstar Simone Biles admitted she often finds herself second-guessing her abilities, but she told Gen Z that simply striving to be the best version of themselves every day will lead them down the right path.
“In order to be the greatest ‘you’ of all time, embrace the opportunity to be a leader,” she told graduates at Washington University in St. Louis.
According to one CEO, success can be manifested in an even simpler manner—by answering one question every night in the mirror:
“That question, it’s a simple question, but it’s a difficult answer: How productive were you today? I ask myself that question every single night and I answer it as honestly as I can,” said Sheldon Yellen, CEO of Belfor.