Blackstone exec says elite Ivy League degrees aren’t good enough—new analysts need to ‘work harder’ and be nice

(Credit: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

A top Blackstone executive says that elite degrees will only get you so far—people with qualities like strong work ethic, an entrepreneurial mindset, and kindness are those who stand out in the long run.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Blackstone President and COO Jon Gray told new analysts they should not “kiss up to the bosses” or “sharp elbow” their peers to advance.