Now we’re up to three broad traits that education signals: intelligence, conscientiousness, and conformity. We could easily extend this list: education also signals a prosperous family, cosmopolitan attitudes, and fondness for foreign films.21 For a profit-maximizing employer, however, the extensions are a distraction. The road to academic success is paved with the trinity of intelligence, conscientiousness, and conformity.22 The stronger your academic record, the greater employers’ confidence you have the whole package.
