It turns out those Jimmy Choos can't be considered an investment.
A recent UF study shows intelligent people have more economic success over a lifetime than those who are attractive or self-confident.
"If you were somehow able to choose from being smart, good-looking or self-confident, our study shows that while you'd want all three qualities, brains are the most important to economic success," said Timothy Judge, the UF management professor who conducted the study along with graduate students Charlice Hurst and Lauren Simon.
"Smart people do better in their careers because they are more likely to be educated and are more confident in their abilities," Judge said.
Results of the study came from 191 men and women, ages 25 to 75, who participated in the National Midlife Development in the United States study.
"You could be the most beautiful teacher, but if you don't have classroom management skills, then students aren't going to care," said Nadene Francis, assistant director of public relations for the UF Career Resource Center.
Intelligence standards for the study were based on mental exercises and tests, and self-confidence, which was the second-most important, was measured by a 15-question survey about a person's ability to handle life situations.
Attractiveness was judged on personal photos on a one to seven scale. Although it placed last against intelligence and self-confidence, beauty's importance in the job industry is still troubling, Judge said.
According to Judge, studies show that attractive students tend to receive more instruction and attention from teachers and are punished less frequently, increasing their chances of finishing high school and college.
"Beauty is key because society is based on looks," said The Swamp Restaurant manager Erika Equizi of beauty and intelligence when working in the food industry. "Pretty girls get more (tips)."
The results of the study, which were published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, emphasize the need for employers to be fair when hiring, Judge said. However, some employers value neither intelligence nor physical attraction as much as personality and job skill.
"(Beauty's) not going to do you any good," said Lynne Vaughan, Reitz Union store director, of working in retail. "(Intelligence) won't do you any good either if you don't have the personality."
