Boom times were on, unemployment was low, in order to went to university and got a degree you were assured about a good paying job and career longer term.
They are, basically, a sudden change from slow regular waves to fast waves that resemble wakefulness. https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/press-advantage/revolutionizing-contractor-license-education-contractors-state-license-center-shapes-the-future-in-los-angeles