with more work. And who pays the media to say the things they do. Now the real trick is convincing people that smart is cool instead of stupid.

I'm an engineer and find that less than half my peers after graduation went on to real engineering jobs. (hint sales engineering is not real)
I think it comes down to drive and a sense of entitlement. Graduating does not mean you can let up the peddle and coast to new found wealth and leisure.