How to graduate college with a job you love & less debt: Jullien Gordon at TEDxMidwest

[@mentonerodominicano]

Now, that's an excellent speech. Specially how he connected the "WHY GENERATION" picture to the "Choose your Road" picture in the end. Decisions makes us who we are and get us closer to our dreams. Jullien is definitely making the right ones and I'm very thankful he's sharing this with us.

[@mrtampham]

every high school and college student needs to watch this before graduating.

[@tlivsey1]

The most important component of this speech Is his ability to speak his values, history in this world, tone of kindness and intelligence. Be a smart person with great verbal skills! He is paid to speak because he knows how to speak. Love this guy!!

[@joshuacable5878]

Talks like this need to be a requirement before graduating from High school for both parents and students

[@mmastiff734]

Lol it’s a requirement for my first college class

[@breckenkoa4427]

i dont mean to be so off topic but does anyone know of a way to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot my account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@ravens27522]

He was at my college today. Great speaker and I believe his book will help a lot.

[@axlrich4294]

People will realize as time goes by how brilliant of a mind Julien Gordon is. 💯

[@wesleyfulton2186]

This dude has been brilliant all of his life from what I can tell.

[@ChristopherEdgington-r5l]

Definitely a motivational and influential guy. What a broad spectrum he covered in a professional tactful and fun way. Congrats to all the new students. WE GOT THIS!!

[@Movingforward55]

Julien I truely appreciate your sincerity on education and how important it is for all of us not just African-American man to know what is the purpose of our goals,dreams, and our education. I wish you all the very best and continue your success

[@AprilF]

Impossible to teach someone who "knows" everything that is being said. So the question is what brought you to this video. A refreshing perspective is always appreciated in my book.

[@simeonyoung6298]

To all those who are complaining about the fact that he didn't provide a plan for you. The point of this is to encourage you to create your own plan for yourself!! It's a shame most of the commenters don't seem to understand this..

[@mmdmmj1]

I def agree with the " you need both books and streets smarts"...so true

[@kaistevens7668]

This was an incredible speech. Such helpful tools for a college student who is starting over and preparing to pave my own road!!

[@Blkchrry120406]

I had to write an essay on ethos,pathos, and logos. of the audience in any ted talk and i choose this one...thank you for the inspiration

[@wdrumz]

I graduated as a Comm Studies major so I know EXACTLY what you are talking about hahah. Aristotle right? =P

[@Blkchrry120406]

Yes.. I never explored it until now..very interesting stuff

[@latashajenkins2006]

I agree on a persons knowledge of books and street sense, can blend in well in life, not just college. Also, I like the fact that he discussed the "why", I can say for myself, I have my own why as to why I am and have attended college, and every individual should have their own why.

[@ThatForeiignboii_]

This is the best speech I as an 18 year old upcoming KZbinr going in to my second semester in college could ever ask for.. Thanks🙏🏾❤️

[@ThatForeiignboii_]

Crazy to think how accurate this is in the year 2023 and this speech was made in 2012🔥

[@phyliciajoykloes]

Great speech! Really, great job. As a college student that just got some good opportunities offered to me, I am feeling even more inspired to pave my own road even further to reach for the stars even more. Thank you for this great talk. I want to share this with more students because today's world is indeed changing. We all have to become the best versions of ourselves and enjoy the learning path as we follow along life's (by ourselves chosen) path.

[@cenaconteh2867]

Thanks for confirming my exact thoughts. At my age, I am totally empowering my dreams...and the opportunities are chasing me down...it's great and a bit overwhelming, and a real blessing from God

[@jInfante18]

10 years later he is the founder of the The MFM - Multifamily Family Movement. Making a difference and leaving his legacy and mark.✊

[@swoleocrennel9657]

This guy is so brilliant! I wish so many millennials would watch this!

[@lalakuma9]

It might seem obvious to some people, but my parents definitely tried to hammer the Easy Street myth over and over again into my head, and I didn't fully realize how to be self-driven and street smart until pretty recently, even though I THOUGHT I was enough of both of those, except I really wasn't. I just studied my ass off, but still had no self-confidence by the time I graduated.

[@ThuyNguyen-bu9ge]

This talk did not teach me how to find a job I love or graduate with less debt. The talk has lots of unconnected snippets - like the narrator's story of having his car stolen at gun point. What did that have to do with our personal development that he emphasizes at the end? Less debt by going to Stanford? This was not a how-to talk, the title is false advertisement. The narrator motivates in general, not tailored to a particular audience such as students who had horrible lazy teachers and no family as their role model, who are confused and unprepared as they struggle to excel in an educational system that is so old fashion and discouraging. How can they find work that they love, how do they navigate through hard courses taught by uncaring professors? The narrator went on to good universities like UC LA and Stanford, how does he know the struggle of poor students trying to figure out how to succeed and learn in college. I think this talk is just to boost his career, not as a helpful tailored knowledgeable guide.

[@jabbard73]

Nguyen, I think people should stop worrying about a college name , and focus more on a degree,

[@mpking1374]

I agree with you. What has he done and achieved? This is a generation of Malcolm Gladwells and the products of the Internet. They think that if they say something smart, they will be successful, some of them actually con their way to the top by talking. If they are that good, do something!

[@xhawks8096]

Tiffastic Nguyen Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@xhawks8096]

Tiffastic Nguyen By the way you are very good at expressing yourself with written words. Just as the narrator is with his public speaking.

[@JackCodeKid]

You are poison, just like your parents

[@DerekThomasLirio]

Paving your own road, is not going to school. LOL. That's what everyone is doing. To the speaker, paving your own road involves using resources you have, to get you to where you want to go. Going to college gets you to the job interview, not the job.

[@forloveoffur]

+Derek Thomas Lirio It's tough as hell to "pave your own road" when you go to college and all your financial resources are dwindled, too. More and more jobs don't even require degrees.

[@SakuraSelisa]

+Derek Thomas Lirio Depends on each person's case though. In case of some people's goals, going to school is a must, I mean, none of us would want a doctor that learns his surgery without proper settings. Some professions do need a proper campus setting. Same goes with a lot of science majors, there are resources that is out of reach for public.

[@shreyastambat1813]

+Ashley Dufault It is easy to say pave your road but the parents usually say you first graduate and then do whatever you want. However time passes and you have earn from the things you learn in college which probably you do not like.

[@DerekThomasLirio]

To all of you responding, in this day and age, with all the resources available, alot of professions can be learned independently. It's up to you, to be independent enough to dare to be different, and do what is needed to succeed.

[@shrisub881]

If not a job interview how will you get a job

[@peacewithease7654]

"When the world looks at you they just see you as this little kitten, but when you look at yourself in the mirror you actually see something more powerful more capable; someone who actually wants to create more value than you're being allowed to." 7:35

[@cheri_inspired]

A high school diploma is perceived as almost worthless in this society. Why do we put our children through this arcane system ? Why not start college sooner?

[@Danger_lurks]

Starting college sooner would diminish a college degrees worth

[@hiitsme3039]

I agree I wish I could have got my ged and went to community college

[@conman2317]

you don't go to school to get a job, you go to learn things you're interested in, that's been the principle of college/university from the very beginning. It just so happened that people who went to college for this SPECIFIC reason made good fits for jobs, Today, people are going to college SPECIFICALLY to get a job and not to learn what they're passionate about thus defeating the purpose. That reason, IS the reason why college grads are not getting jobs, because employers know that you just went to get money and not to pursue a career.

[@JaidynLynx]

His singing is really inspiring 10/10, learned so much

[@marycyril8988]

Great speech , appreciate these kind of men , cause they been there and done that ! Master yourself !! Thats a gold idea

[@nightfire4107]

Finally someone that preaches what I've been questioning for decades

[@drmomable]

I am not stating that much of what Jullien refers to about higher education is incorrect. What I am positing is that, ultimately, there is a great deal to be learned at the university level that is more than one can acquire on Wikipedia or via the internet. Yes, these options offer you information, but they don't help you understand, apply or evaluate that information or necessarily make any constructive use of that information. Unfortunately, university professors too often do a lousy job of that as well, and much of this is because of the cost of educating an individual student. It is much easier to dump 1000 students in a lecture hall or online section of a course, give multiple choice exams, and then a grade. But this has nothing to do with teaching students how to learn to think or facilitating the learning process. That is why those who can afford to go to private, elite universities (as Jullien did) are able to amass the majority of the country's wealth. Also, where is Jullien's data to support that the majority of students graduating from a department within a university cannot lecture for one hour about their subject? Has this been studied (I don't know that data, so I can't argue this one way or the other), but I am a mother of a sophomore business major, and he already presents publicly about his knowledge of business. Again, there is much to be discussed and examined about Jullien's arguments, and sadly enough, many of them are on point. But as any critically thinking, engaged, well-read person knows, there are many sides to any one perspective.

[@Robert-if5hh]

Thank you Michelle. You should be proud of your College-Student/ Son. I actually liked this talk. I am attending my second University and need about three more semesters at full-time to finish my Undergraduate. I was also in the Army for 6 years, prior to starting University. Mr. Gordon's argument is pretty spot-on. Sadly, Im not sure why you believe he needs data to prove all of his arguments. I have worked at multiple businesses in Colorado (Boulder and Colorado Springs) and in Salt Lake City, Utah and have met Undergraduates working in the same job as they held before graduating. Eventually, yes, people find a better job, and I would agree that many students can give a lecture on what they have learned in school, given enough time to organize and prepare their thoughts. But, will your son really want the job he takes after school...? Will he be happy after 10 years of running a potential business? We cannot answer that question now.... Im 27 and I didn't have a firm idea of the industry, profession, trade, or lifestyle I wanted to live day to day until about a year ago. And, the most dismal part of it all, is that I am unsure of who and where I will work after University. So, I believe I can use this speakers wisdom as part of my tool-box for success. Thanks for sharing. You bring up good points. Everyone has a different path.

[@RelationshipCoachRiverFlow]

Amen! I have had this conversation with many generations, but this break down is brilliant!!

[@JullienGordon]

Thugz00, I read the comments and I'm grateful for your words. I'm glad it inspired you. Spread the message!

[@shirleysangare2637]

THIS VIDEO HAS GIVING ME A NEW OUT LOOK ON BECOMING A COLLEGE GRAUATE FROM POST UNIVERSITY

[@TalentWhisperer]

excellent. I just shared with my neice and my friend who employs interns who will be graduating soon

[@captureyourflag]

Love the closing song! Brought the wonderful, targeted, and actionable presentation together oh so well.

[@dianp4824]

This to me sounded like a story taken out of alice from wonderland. So powerful and inspiring but it stays in the world of wonderland.

[@latepass]

Hey Jullien.... Keep on giving the world your GIFT...

[@ParisDavisDean]

One of the greatest and inspiring Ted Talks I've heard. Thank you for sharing.

[@nigel2373]

Great talk brotha, went to school for two years didn't finish but decided to get my feet wet in the city of Chicago now Im running my own freelance design business. Plan on returning tho, keep it up!

[@chainsaw5vent]

Not every job requires higher education and the debt load it may cause. But your best ‘jobs’ are the ones you love and enjoy going to every day. You go to work happy. You come home happy. And you’re able to be the best for your family.

[@missdesireindependance5194]

Yes who you know is more important in this world.

[@hottiemarie19]

It truly is inspiring to receive advice that is relevant, realistic and refreshing..... Thanks for your words of wisdom and I thoroughly agree with you, never b4 has networking and the ability to challenge yourself outside the classroom been so important

[@adrianrandall3851]

I wish I met him or heard this BEFORE I went to college I wouldve taken AP courses too and gotten to know myself better then. thats a big part of the game is starting early in the exact thing your supposed to do

[@abbycadabbie]

Adrian Randall he came to my college as a guest speaker during our freshman orientation. It was pretty cool. He gave some good advice

[@krystalalexandra878]

I find this very hard to relate too... first of all let me just say that he is a very good speaker but he is talking from a higher class. he started off with his parents achievements and him buying a Mercedes bends at 18 lol but that is very un relatable. most of us did not graduate with a 4.0 and attend UCLA so right there he has more leverage than most off us, therefore it would be easier for a job to appear at his doorstep for the reason he is of a good economic background .

[@docentstef257]

A talk everybody needs to hear, with great pointers

[@STATUSTANK]

6:43 THE WORLD IS FLAT I nearly died! that's awesome!

[@dianechapman9887]

This is truly a Great speech! Yes, we all need to become the best version of ourselves.👍

[@VolcanicLioness]

He acts as though outperforming people academically is so easy. Try being someone who only learns kinesthetically, and a person that outperforms athletically. Try being someone that literally learned jack didley shit in all of high school and college, yet is gifted at their job. People who are actually good at DOING things are always told they are failures in the world of education.

[@maxbernard5797]

Agreed. For much of this video he seems as if he is talking down to the audience. He isn't very relatable. Great speakers in my opinion make you feel like you have something in common with them and connect to you on an emotional level. This guy did neither. I was assigned to write a reaction for this speech for my speech class and I was not thrilled about this one.

[@dianagarcia6017]

The speaker is trying to be a real as possible. He doesn't want to hold our hands and treat us like children. He is talking to us like adults. Outperforming isn't just about being gifted. You find your passion and you will naturally finding yourself out performing others assuming you're truly dedicated.

[@woewoe2749]

Sophia Kopasakis I'm not trying to debate but I want to say that I disagree with you for the people that will read your comment and decide to ignore the video's message without thinking on it for themselves. I did not take his message as saying that outperforming academically is the key. I feel like his message was that wherever you go to school, you should make yourself and your school stand out. It doesn't matter if it's Stanford U or Nowhere U, you are the reason that the name of the school will spread or stay where it is. Stanford attracts the brightest and confident so it's natural that the name will remain in high quality. If you're from somewhere lesser known, you and your friends could be the ones that give your school a name from nothing. That's how I took that part of his message.

[@motheroftwo5551]

The answer to college is not always YES, YES, YES. Sometimes it is NO, NO, NO because getting an apprenticeship or going to trade school or going to a specialized 2 year college for a job that is truly in demand are the choices to which you should be saying YES, YES , YES. Don't use the cookie cutter approach, but do your own research. Perform what I call the "walk and talk" education. Go out and talk to people who have recently obtained careers in which you are interested (choose more than one career), and ask them what has worked and what has not. And talk to the people who are hiring because most of the time they will say that they are looking for experience more than a 4 year degree.

[@brd8764]

Earn and learn is the correct way to live in my opinion because money is always earned and is of value.

[@Daya-yv8yj]

One of the best Ted talks!!

[@adobotravels]

Slavery was never abolished. It was intended to include all people of all colors. - Charles Bukowski

[@homeat30]

In an ideal world, a student will carefully choose a school that will be relatively affordable while still setting him/her up to succeed in their desired career path. HOWEVER, this takes a great deal of self-reflection, research and foresight. Many high school students (I was one of them) don't even know the options available to them in order to identify a career path they'd love to pursue. And why is that? Because our educational system simply doesn't give students those career tools/resources. Either their parents need to guide them correctly, or they need to do the research on their own. So, if you don't know what career you'll pursue, it's tough to choose which college is the best fit for you and how much you should pay! Plus, we all know that the public school system doesn't teach you anything about personal finance! And if you believe everyone should go to community college and then some state school, you don't understand that certain job fields (like investment banking) only recruit from certain elite schools. Simply put, there's no 12 minute video that will solve this massive problem we have on our hands. We need to strengthen our foundation as a society and give students the resources they need to make informed decisions about their careers/finances from a young age!

[@phyliciajoykloes]

I watched this video a while ago, and I enjoyed it a ton. It is just as good now.

[@dianechapman9887]

I have a BA degree from many years ago; I never really mastered myself, I did buy an experience, indeed!

[@Saved.by.Jesus.]

College an Investment of a dream but not a guarantee of a job=Huge debt. Why will you invest so much money for an experience that will not produce or guarantee a job. The goal is to have financial stability not to be poor and unable to make ends meet. Study what truly matters and the rest you can learn from the Internet. The goal is to have financial stability so you shouldn't gamble with it for the college experience. $90,000 wow, so all the money you earn go towards student loans.

[@ShadeMiller]

it doesn't guarantee it, but a lot of jobs require that you have a degree of some kind..and following your dream i soetimes more important than some money you lose

[@Saved.by.Jesus.]

+Shade Miller That is the problem that a lot of jobs requires it for jobs does not require any form of degree. For example, a $14 job for a managerial position at Kroger asking for bachelor's degree; that is the problem. Do not advocate going to college for the experience, for it is a great investment of time and money that need to be carefully thought out. Major in the field that pays, and then educate yourself on what you are passionate about. College doesn't define education. Education is learning, and that can be acquired with or without attend college. I actually went to a community college for an AAS degree, got a job, before getting my BSE. I am debt free because I did not attend college for the experience. I this is my opinion and it has worked for me.

[@ShadeMiller]

Emmanuel Omoruyi a lot of people should get some of the experience, though it can be gotten elsewhere but not in the same way...i have to go because i want to be a vet and accept the debt that comes with that dream

[@conman2317]

you're viewing it the wrong way, you do not go to college to get a job, the entire history of higher education was based on people wanting to learn something they were passionate about and in the early days had nothing to do with landing a job. What happened, was that people who did so made good fits for jobs in the field they studied, it really had nothing to do with the college in and of itself; today, people are going to college just to get a job and care only about money, this is the precise reason why there are many graduates without one.

[@binzsta86]

And be in debt for thirty years.

[@kylarogers2437]

Extremely Insightful!! Everyone needs to watch!

[@mrroberttrujillo]

Good job Julien, congrats on furthering your mission and continuing to help others.

[@1lovetheocean]

americans should come to colleges in Europe, not sure the burocracy but it is so much cheaper!

[@travisdronzek5592]

my man, talking about my generation

[@jgb1214]

i was trying so hard to wait to comment towards the end but I couldnt help myself. There was so much great information to digest...We ask Why.. wow that part blew me away...thanks Wikipedia😍!!!....this is really impactful thank you soo much for your words!!

[@Amicoskates01]

A little false leading title but surely not disappointed. What a great speech this truly was.

[@lorenbass]

Awesome talk! Will definitely show to my students

[@ronwhiteleo3352]

Excellent!! a point of view that really needs to be taught...

[@motheroftwo5551]

And the percentage of lack of jobs available to college students is greater now in 2019.

[@followJesus153]

Jullien for President??? Thank you for your words. It's inspired me to help!

[@coleprentice4726]

bro just starts singing

[@sheilawilson2446]

SO very inspirational. Thank you!

[@timtim6554]

Was trying to give this a chance, but then he said that Wikipedia was a better way to learn than college, and the crowd burst into applause. Is this TED for dummies?

[@mmdmmj1]

You need to watch the video agIn....and PAY ATTENTION...🙄🙄🙄

[@mmdmmj1]

Again

[@mikeharris468]

I enjoyed listening to this gentleman speak. He was very insightful and gave a lot of valuable information to his young audience. However, the title is very misleading. The title had very little to do with his talk and I still heard nothing that would help a person land the job they love with less debt.

[@woewoe2749]

I really liked the ending part about paving your own path. I wish he skipped out on the singing part tho lmao

[@cyjlam]

john legend outros are always great

[@MrBrightWave]

Thank you.

[@sarahnichols4253]

I've literally been driving someone else's car my entire lfe...I'm now in my later 30's and going to college and deciding where I want my life to go from here.

[@hkase3228]

i wanted to see the video before getting into my college

[@elliotangel5837]

is there a transcript for this ted talk? i'm hard of hearing but need it for a school assignment.

[@neilanortelus5008]

same

[@joyousocean]

Powerful. Concise. En pointe. Thank you. Will share.

[@vaidehi4273]

College fees should be very low so as many student can able to take admission!! Financial condition should not be the obstacle for a student that holds back him to get a education!! But nowadays all over the world ppl are just selling the education as much as high fees, every year how many students can’t able to make it to admission just because of financial condition?? Just like me!!

[@RosalynColemanWilliams]

Most important Ted video ever!

[@georgkroela3532]

K that last part was so uncalled for lmao

[@xbriannaxbananax]

YES! Yes yes! So true. Great presentation style as well.

[@timn.9799]

best youtube video of the day

[@FrangoTraidor]

les cours que j'ai suivis m'ont tous plu

[@skatepunksk8]

Awesome speech, Deep message.

[@ChanelBrooke1994]

misleading title I do believe. But, great speech I will pave my own road

[@phoenixvette]

Base housing, where everyone is given an empty studio apartment, would allow everyone to not have to worry about working that 40 hour a week job just to have a roof over their head. Which would allow for more creativity, flexibility in needing jobs and a happier nation. Base pay would just make everyone lazy.

[@wwesagar]

what a speech!

[@emilybh6255]

The person who wrote the title for this video needs to learn that you don't "graduate college". Rather you "graduate from college". Let's learn ourselves as well as start to teach people correct English. It is APPALLING how TERRIBLY most people under age 35 and some over speak English -- including those with advanced degrees, writers and ENGLISH teachers. At LEAST this Ted talker knows. That is a pleasant surprise. Also, especially in this day and age and considering the cost of college tuition, I would have to say college is not worth the money you have to spend for what you'll get out of it. A vocational technical school or an internship somewhere with on the job training is a much better investment. If I were 18, having just graduated from high school, I'd be looking to VOLUNTEER with companies where I could learn on the job. I'd be getting actual work experience. After 6 months or a year, I'd actually have experience and my skills would be marketable and I'd be earning a living. After 4 years of working, I'd be head and shoulders above the rest of my peers that chose to go to college. A college experience is not worth being saddled with a mortgage. When I went to college, tuition was affordable. Everyone graduated debt free. If you can't do that, you can get to know yourself in the real world; volunteering; gaining work experience and then getting hired based on your work experience employers are looking for.

[@wavewizardtv]

Level of Self Mastery*

[@naomiking2442]

What is super smart guy! I like him.

[@PLOttawa]

This really helped me. Thank you.

[@kiaharris9763]

The title is misleading. If higher education is doubling at a speed faster than light, how does choosing a college with a higher $ help you have less debt?

[@eson3d]

What a voice

[@michellemarie1197]

Its my dream to go to UCLA, or at least live in LA/san diego, but UCLA is expensive so ill have to go to a cheaper state school in my homestate and then after i earn my degree and line up a job then im moving to LA

[@MutantNinjaFly]

TDLR: if you are going to go to college you better be damn committed and it better be to something useful like engineering, computer science, or biotech

[@psteeg3551]

not really. TLDR: go to college, create a "social network" by meeting new people and remain contact with people you know, take internships / traineeships to get experience in the working industry, and overall have a positive ambitious mindset

[@dogblues4829]

You need both

[@annea.1765]

Amazing speech. Very true.

[@ginajo4875]

Powerful message 🙌🏼

[@toogs8571]

As everyone gets degrees the value of a degree decreases. It doesn't help that degrees are becoming easier to acquire as colleges become more relaxed on admissions and need to meet new diversity quotas which hurts the bottom line for those with impressive test scores. In addition to this, a large majority of careers are bing outsourced to other countries that can preform the same task for less money. This includes things like manufacturing, programming, and business administration. It seems to me that we are preparing a generation for a bygone era in which a degree was a ticket to success. In today's market, it appears that the much smarter option is to opt for more trade focused careers, as there is a critical shortage of skilled tradesmen and woman and the average salary after 4 or 5 years of working hovers around 70k. Humorously, this annual salary is often greater than that of college grad's even after accounting for the degree holders lack of experience, as they cannot "hit the ground running" and require additional on the job training, specific to their chosen occupation.

[@TheAfiyao]

Good piece

[@satoisme]

An English degree is only as powerful as its wielder.

[@binzsta86]

But you live longer teaching English than welding. Don't believe me, look up the health risk of welders.

[@woewoe2749]

Flash yo he said "wielder" as in "He is wielding the sword in his hand." hahaha. That brightened my morning :)

[@samb6676]

Flash I guess your English degree isn't going to well then huh?

[@itsmy5116]

Good lecture wonder why it doesn't has more views