Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts

By: Kaitlyn Crowder Instructor: Dr. Grouling

Which One is More Beneficial?

Definitions:

BOOK SMARTS

Volume & Precision of Knowledge

Longs for Accuracy Learns through

Experience of Others

STREET SMARTS

Practical Knowledge Common Sense

Learns through Life Experience

Application

In Depth Description:

-Scott Berkun, Philosophy Reader’s Choice Journal

“The prime distinction between street smarts and book smarts is who is at the center of the knowledge. On the

street, it’s you.

In a book it’s you trying to absorb someone else’s take on the world, and however amazing the writer is, you are at best one degree removed from the actual experience.

Street smarts means you’ve put yourself at risk and survived. Or thrived. Or have scars. You’ve been tested and have a bank of courage to depend on when you are tested again. Being street smart can lead to book smarts as the street smart sense what works and what doesn’t,

and adapt accordingly.”

WHAT DO THESE HAVE IN COMMON?

WHAT DO THESE HAVE IN COMMON?

Street Smarts

Book Smarts

Field of Work

Jobs in 21st Century Economy: Employers value experience

and application

93% of employers indicated that the most important qualification is “Relevant internships or experience.”

Five years ago this need was only at 40%

Bostwikk, V. (2012). Employers Want More Experience. Online Recruiting News Journal Online Edition. 9, 1-4. Retrieved December 10, 2012, from EBSCO Academic Search Premier database.

Think About This…

44% Law Firms Chose: EXPERIENCE as Number 1 Hiring Factor

19% Law Firms Chose: Class or School Ranking as Number 2 Hiring Factor

According to a Harvard Law Study,

Bottom Line:

My Advice & Findings

Work Hard

Work Hands On

Communicate

Sometimes it is not WHAT you know, it is WHO you know.

Experience Life

Learn as Much as You Can

Learn from YOUR OWN Mistakes

Balance

“One of the things I cherish most in my life is the lessons from the school of hard knocks. Ever since embarking on my entrepreneurial journey, life

has taught me lessons that are worth more than attending any prestigious college in the world.” –Mark Twain

References

Bostwikk, V. (2012). Employers Want More Experience. Online Recruiting News Journal Online Edition. 9, 1-4. Retrieved December 10, 2012, from EBSCO Academic Search Premier database.

 Chu, Wen. “Developing Practical Knowledge Content of Emergency Nursing Professionals.” Journal of Nursing Research. 19/2. 112-18.

Cook, John. "Book Smarts vs. Street Smarts: Which Makes the Best Startup Entrepreneurs? (Infographic)." GeekWire. Fresh Consulting, 04 Sept. 2011. Web. 08 Sept. 2012.

Hatt, Beth. “Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts: The Figured World of Smartness in Lives of Marginalized, Urban Youth.” The Urban Review . 39/2. (2007) Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Sept 2012.

Holmes, Paul E. “Learning Street Smarts for an Urban Setting.” Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal. 20.3. (1999): 64-3. Academic Search Premier. Web. 19 Sept. 2012.

Winborn, Lynn. "Book Smart Commonsense." - ADDer World ADD ADHD Online Network Community. Adderworld, 07 Mar. 2011. Web. 08 Sept. 2012.