Chapter 9
Human Capital
Expect Real-Time Resumes and Create a Twenty-First Century Workplace
Not too long ago, my oldest daughter began the college search process. I was the designated parent on the project and did what I could to “help” her. I dutifully collected all kinds of collateral on each college visit—campus maps, course catalogs, and listings of arts and sports events. I even put a new leaf in the dining room table where I hoped she would organize all of these valuables that I had carried up and down the East coast upon our return.
Months went by and much to my chagrin she never organized the material. Actually, if the truth be told, she never even touched it. Somehow I managed to keep myself from commenting on what I felt was her lack of engagement in the process. When it came time for her to refine her search and begin writing the applications, however, I was shocked. Not only could she articulate the relative strengths and weaknesses of each school, she knew which schools had the best food, which professors taught undergraduates and when they were going on sabbatical, and even which dorms to avoid.
When I asked her how she learned all of this, knowing that she had never touched the bounty on the dining room table, she said, “College Prowler, Dad.” Turns out that CollegeProwler.com, and a handful of other digital destinations, draw on current college students' experience to describe and evaluate life on their campuses. Rankings and discussion address academics, housing, ...
