Asking Harvard Students How They Make Money

Ashton Herndon
15 Oct 202311:14
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script explores the financial habits of Harvard University students, revealing their spending patterns, sources of income, and views on money and happiness. It delves into the frugality of some, the high-earning internships and entrepreneurial ventures of others, and their perspectives on whether wealth equates to happiness. The script offers a glimpse into the diverse experiences and attitudes of students at one of the world's most prestigious institutions, highlighting their ambitions, lifestyles, and philosophical insights.

Takeaways
  • ๐ŸŽ“ Harvard University is renowned for its high cost of attendance, averaging around $83,000 per year, which is almost double the average annual income of an American.
  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Despite the high costs, Harvard students are not necessarily burdened by finances, with many having access to high-paying internships and opportunities, such as an internship at Amazon that pays $40,000.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ The average salary for a Harvard graduate is over six figures in their first year, and some students are making 10 times that amount while still in college.
  • ๐Ÿ“š Students at Harvard come from diverse backgrounds and are studying various fields, including neuroscience, economics, applied math, and government.
  • ๐Ÿ† Many students have high career aspirations, such as working on Wall Street or in private equity, and some plan to go to medical school.
  • ๐Ÿ’ธ Students' weekly spending varies greatly, with some spending as little as $40 and others up to $400, indicating a wide range of financial habits and lifestyles.
  • ๐Ÿฝ Most students spend the majority of their money on food, with some mentioning dining hall meals, groceries, and eating out with friends.
  • ๐Ÿ‘• Some students spend on non-food items such as home goods, laundry detergent, and clothing, indicating the need for a comfortable living environment.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Students have various income streams, including part-time jobs, tutoring, and internships, showing resourcefulness in managing their finances.
  • ๐Ÿ’ One student mentioned an expensive purchase of an engagement ring for $15,000, highlighting the range of spending habits among students.
  • ๐Ÿค” The script concludes with a philosophical discussion on whether money equals happiness, with students expressing diverse views on the relationship between wealth and personal contentment.
Q & A
  • What is the average cost of attendance at Harvard University according to the transcript?

    -The average cost of attendance at Harvard University is approximately $83,000 a year.

  • How much does a Harvard graduate typically earn in their first year after graduation?

    -The average salary for a Harvard graduate in their first year is over six figures.

  • What is the number one way a college student makes money at Harvard, as mentioned in the transcript?

    -One of the top ways a college student can make money at Harvard is through part-time jobs or internships, including working as a teaching fellow or in a hospital setting.

  • What is the average weekly spending among the students interviewed in the transcript?

    -The average weekly spending among the students interviewed ranges from $40 to around $400, with most students being quite frugal.

  • What is the biggest purchase one of the students mentioned making in the transcript?

    -One of the students mentioned the biggest purchase they made was an engagement ring for $15,000.

  • What is the student's opinion on money and happiness in the transcript?

    -Most students in the transcript believe that money does not equal happiness, but it can help achieve it or make certain things easier.

  • What is the cheapest thing a student has done according to the transcript?

    -One of the cheapest things a student has done is eating off free samples and relying on a group chat for information about free food.

  • What is the most extravagant thing a student has seen another student do in the transcript?

    -The most extravagant thing a student has seen is another student traveling on private jets and eating out every day for four years instead of using the all-inclusive dining hall.

  • What is the transcript's view on the importance of financial stability for happiness?

    -The transcript suggests that financial stability is important for happiness as it secures basic needs and reduces worries about essentials like the next meal.

  • What is the name of the podcast mentioned in the transcript?

    -The name of the podcast mentioned in the transcript is 'Under the Microscope'.

Outlines
00:00
๐ŸŽ“ Harvard Students' Financial Insights

This paragraph delves into the financial habits and aspirations of Harvard University students. It starts with a discussion about the high cost of attendance at Harvard, which averages around $83,000 a year, and how despite this, students do not seem deterred due to the potential high earnings post-graduation. The video script explores various ways students make money, ranging from internships to part-time jobs on campus. It also touches on the students' spending habits, with some spending as little as $40 a week and others up to $400, highlighting a wide range of financial behaviors. The paragraph ends with students sharing their future career plans and how they plan to utilize their Harvard education.

05:01
๐Ÿ’ฐ Earning and Spending at Harvard: A Glimpse into Student Life

This paragraph focuses on the income and expenditure of Harvard students. It reveals a variety of responses, from students who currently do not earn any money to those who have multiple income streams, earning sums ranging from $700 a week to $20,000 over the summer. The script also uncovers the biggest purchase made by these students, which includes items like dorm room essentials, electronics, and even an engagement ring. Additionally, it discusses the perceived extravagance on campus, such as private jet travel and designer clothing, as well as the frugal habits some students adopt to save money.

10:02
๐Ÿค” Philosophical Views on Money and Happiness Among Harvard Students

The final paragraph of the script presents a philosophical discussion on the relationship between money and happiness. It captures a range of opinions from Harvard students, with a majority agreeing that while money can contribute to happiness by easing access to desired experiences and items, it is not the sole determinant of happiness. Students emphasize the importance of relationships and life experiences over material wealth. The paragraph concludes with the notion that financial stability is crucial for happiness but beyond a certain point, happiness is subjective and personal.

Mindmap
Keywords
๐Ÿ’กPurchase
A purchase refers to the acquisition of goods or services in exchange for money. In the context of the video, it is used to discuss the students' spending habits, particularly the largest expenditure they've made, such as dorm room items or an iPad, illustrating the financial choices and priorities of college students.
๐Ÿ’กExpenses
Expenses are the costs incurred by an individual or entity. The script mentions weekly expenses, highlighting the frugality or spending habits of students, with amounts ranging from $40 to $300, showcasing the variance in financial management among Harvard students.
๐Ÿ’กIncome
Income is the money received, typically from work or investments. The video explores various sources of income for college students, including part-time jobs, internships, and business ventures, emphasizing the diversity in how students generate money.
๐Ÿ’กInternship
An internship is a period of work experience where an individual works for an organization to gain professional insights. The script cites an example of a student earning $40,000 from an Amazon internship, indicating the potential earnings and professional opportunities available to students.
๐Ÿ’กHarvard University
Harvard University is a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its rigorous academic programs. The video uses Harvard as a backdrop to discuss the financial aspects of student life, including the high cost of attendance and the lucrative career prospects of its graduates.
๐Ÿ’กFrugal
Being frugal means being economical with money or resources. The script describes students who are frugal, spending as little as possible, such as one student who spends around $40 to $75 a week, to underscore the range of spending behaviors among students.
๐Ÿ’กFinance
Finance refers to the management of money and includes activities such as investing, borrowing, lending, budgeting, saving, and forecasting. The video mentions students' aspirations in finance, like working on Wall Street, indicating career goals and the perceived potential for financial success.
๐Ÿ’กMedical School
Medical school is a part of a university that focuses on the education and professional training of medical doctors. The script mentions students' plans to attend medical school, reflecting the academic ambitions and the pursuit of high-earning careers.
๐Ÿ’กGig Economy
The gig economy consists of freelance or temporary work, often involving short-term contracts or payment for each 'gig' or task. A student in the script mentions being on the 'gig economy grind,' making around $700 a week during the summer, illustrating alternative employment paths for students.
๐Ÿ’กHappiness
Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment. The video concludes with a philosophical discussion on whether money equals happiness, with students expressing diverse views on the relationship between financial status and personal fulfillment, adding depth to the conversation about the purpose of wealth.
๐Ÿ’กPhilosophical
Philosophical refers to a contemplation or expression of fundamental beliefs or concepts. The script ends with a philosophical question about the relationship between money and happiness, prompting students to reflect on deeper life values beyond material wealth.
Highlights

A Harvard student is interning at Amazon and making 40 Grand during the summer.

Harvard is known for being very expensive with an average cost of attendance around $83,000 a year.

Despite the high cost, Harvard students are not phased by it, with some making six figures in their first year after graduation.

Students share their diverse fields of study, including neuroscience, global health, economics, applied math, and East Asian studies.

Some students plan to follow in their parents' footsteps, aiming for high finance jobs or medical school.

The average weekly spending among students ranges from $40 to $400, with many being frugal and focusing on food expenses.

Students reveal their spending habits, with food being the common major expense, followed by outings and groceries.

A student mentions making $1,200 a month from various income streams during the summer.

Some students have not worked a single day in their life, relying on their parents to cover expenses.

Part-time jobs and internships are common ways for Harvard students to make money, with opportunities provided by the university.

A student made a significant purchase of an engagement ring for $15,000.

Students discuss witnessing extravagant behaviors, such as private jet travel and eating out every day instead of using the dining hall.

Some students adopt frugal practices like walking far for cheaper food or relying on free samples and eggs as their main food source.

Students have a philosophical discussion on whether money equals happiness, with varied opinions and insights.

A student suggests that financial stability is important for happiness, but beyond a certain threshold, happiness is subjective.

The video ends with a call to join the subscriber family and a mention of the creator's podcast 'Under the Microscope'.

Transcripts
Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating: