From fitting into society to keeping up with the competition, a student’s life is tough. And the current inflation in scores is constantly adding more fuel to the fire. The never-ending increase in cut-offs is worrisome for students, especially in terms of admissions that are based on merit. And this worry isn’t restricted to the medical sciences and engineering fields.
Read – How to stay motivated while studying?
Business schools are no different. Do you know how candidates are shortlisted for admissions to them? It’s through automated short-listing tools that perpetually rate them based on their scores. As a result, there’s actually no scope for students who land up with less than stellar grades.
But amidst all this mayhem, have you ever paused to think if long-term success depends on high grades alone? Join us as we try to answer that question.
The joy of learning is fading away
In the process of keeping up with high scores, students end up losing their childhood. They cram up topics without really understanding the concepts, and this often kills their curiosity. While it’s fundamentally wrong, this also means that even if a student is a topper, he/she might not be “knowledgeable” enough.
In fact, this has been explained by Eric Barker in his book ‘Barking up the Wrong Tree.’ The book tracks fourteen school toppers’ lives after graduating in the U.S. and documents how none of them became exceptionally successful in any field.
Undoubtedly, this proves that although good grades play a major role in providing opportunities, they don’t always guarantee long-term success.
So what is a successful career based on?
Experts say that in addition to a college degree (which may or may not be backed by straight A’s), long-term career success is based on three critical factors:
Building a strong network
Connect with the right people and build your network. Even though a college degree is essential and we’re not undermining its importance (Pew Social Trends research shows that people without a college degree earn half the median annual salary and suffer from four-time higher unemployment rates), don’t overlook the importance of building up your network and connecting with the right people. Sometimes, even if you don’t have a degree, a solid network can help you reach heights.
Identifying your strengths and passion
Find an intersection of your strengths and passion, and then hunt for a job. Research says that people who are happier while working are more productive than unhappy people. So find your passion and acknowledge your strengths.
Read – Take a look at some unconventional career options
Seeking proper guidance
Finding the right mentor at an early stage is a boon. Everybody needs guidance, and to receive the correct piece of advice, you need a knowledgeable mentor who can improve and guide you towards the correct path.
Summing it up
To become successful, you need a correct blend of wisdom and direction. Once you’ve decided your career goal, start working on getting close to it, and eventually, you will succeed. And never feel out of place if you love doing something unconventional. Keep in mind that if you love it, then you’ll be happy doing it.