Shouhardyo Kundu : In the pursuit of academic excellence, could an excessive focus on grades potentially sabotage your future career? Let’s dive into the link between academic success and future careers in this article.

In countries like Bangladesh, numerous students are surprised to find that their intense focus on academics doesn’t always make them stand out. Actually they experience cultural shock regarding this fact.

From students aiming for international college admissions to recent graduates on the job hunt, and even university students collaborating on group projects – the theme of unpreparedness seems to echo throughout these experiences.

Furthermore, most of the academic institutions do not emphasize learning over grades. This focus on rote memorization and test scores often leaves students ill-equipped to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing professional landscape.

Misconception and Improper Guidance

When we consider the youth in our nation, they are frequently pressurised by their own parents. Typically, parents instruct their children to achieve high grades in their Board/O level/A level exams and anticipate that they should secure top ranks within their class.

And, that is actually fine!

But it is a matter of concern, when students try to get involved with some interesting stuffs that they are passionate about, parents often stand as a barrier against them. Few parents think that this kind of involvement with other activities can distract their children from their academic studies. But this resistance can unintentionally limit creativity and hinder their personal growth in many instances.

Family members often advise their younger ones to prioritize academics and achieve good grades first, assuring them that afterward, they’ll have plenty of time for extracurricular activities. But it becomes apparent when they enter universities that many of their peers have already engaged in these activities during middle school or high school. This realization can demotivate them and make them feel less accomplished in comparison.

Faulty Mindset and the Consequences

Because of prevailing educational norms and societal pressures, numerous students approach their careers with a misconceived viewpoint. Consequently, they prioritize grades as their sole path to their desired careers, inadvertently sidelining their true ambitions.

And what are the consequences? One major issue with this approach is that renowned universities worldwide often prefer students who have a clear sense of their interests, and it becomes even more problematic when students fail to choose the right

subject to build their future career path.

Employability

Many individuals believe that without grades and Grade Point Averages (GPAs), employers would struggle to assess the potential employability of students. However, forward-thinking employers have already begun to reduce their reliance on GPAs and are implementing their own customized assessments to gauge a candidate’s knowledge and aptitude.

They consider specific subject knowledge, coursework, and practical skills, conducting in-depth discussions to assess readiness for a role.

Strategic Equilibrium: Balancing Grades and Extracurricular Pursuits

We must acknowledge that there is no substitute for academic knowledge. However, achieving a well-rounded education entails striking a delicate balance between excelling academically and

engaging in extracurricular activities.

While strong grades reflect dedication to learning, participation in extracurriculars nurtures crucial life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management. A holistic approach that combines both academic excellence and extracurricular involvement can prepare individuals not only for academic success but also for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in the real world.

Embarking on a journey through Olympiads, debating on diverse issues, immersing oneself in the diplomatic realm of Model UN,delving into the world of research, and igniting social change through activism and internships – these are the pathways to discovering ones passion at an early stage in life. They serve as the compass guiding someone towards their potential major and future profession, arming one with the skills to not just survive but thrive in their chosen field.

Concluding Remark

As we wrap up this journey of self-discovery, remember that the path to an impressive profile is a fusion of academia and your unique passions. Let this blend propel you toward a future where you thrive not just academically, but as a captivating individual.

The writer is 11th grade student, Notre Dame College