> Bosses such as Messrs. Chiat, Ellison and Lucas became widely known as “the guy” to work for in their industries because of all the prominent people who had come through their organizations and gone on to spectacular careers.<p>Similar thing happens in sports (mentioned in the article, especially coaching trees) and academic circles. Much more important <i>who</i> your doctoral academic advisor is than your institution. Sure, the concentration of good ones might be higher at the good places, but that isn't the point.<p>A great phd advisor will encourage you to work on projects that give you marketable and useful skills, more than only focusing on his short term research needs. And they will keep fighting for you even after you leave the group.<p>Your success <i>is</i> the legacy that any manager leaves behind! Always surprised more do not take pride in this.