Eva Longoria says this quality is more important than an Ivy League education: 'Do you have the capacity to figure it out?'

June 1, 2026 - 03:58

Actor, director, and entrepreneur Eva Longoria says she cares more about a person's ability to solve problems than where they went to school. In a recent interview, she explained that when she hires someone or chooses a business partner, she looks for a specific quality above all else: the capacity to figure things out.

Longoria, who has built a career spanning Hollywood, production, and business, argued that a prestigious diploma is not a guarantee of success. "Do you have the capacity to figure it out?" she said, calling that skill more valuable than an Ivy League education. She emphasized that real-world resourcefulness and the drive to learn on the job often matter more than a name-brand university on a resume.

The actress pointed out that many successful people never attended elite schools. Instead, they share a knack for adapting, asking the right questions, and finding solutions without waiting for instructions. For Longoria, this kind of grit and curiosity is what separates a good hire from a great one. She believes that while a degree can open doors, it is the willingness to tackle the unknown that keeps them open. Her advice to young professionals is simple: focus on building your ability to think on your feet, because that skill never goes out of style.