What is a nerd, anyway?

These are traits that define successful people - those with the power and passion to change the world. These are traits that we work so hard to develop at RSM. And these are the traits that define a Nerd.

Because in fact, what is a Nerd? They can be tall, short, beautiful, athletic, theatrical, musical. What unites them are these traits, and striving for intellect. A quote that was once attributed to Bill Gates says it all:

“Be nice to Nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.”

He’s right. Because Nerds go on to redefine the world, be they the founder of Microsoft, Sergey Brin, Sheryl Sandberg, Mark Zuckerberg, Indra Nooyi, or countless others. They are the ones who have the capability to recognize a goal, and the fortitude to get there. They are the ones who triumph. So we hold that label as the highest of compliments.

Which is why we're calling out to our students, parents, and readers to help us take the term back. Dedication to intellectual growth has been associated with negative stereotypes for too long. We're taking "nerd" back, and giving it the proper respect it deserves.

#respecthenerd