After working diligently to earn a master’s degree at a leading university, I learned that it pays to excel academically in college. By not doing so, you risk missing important benefits that could shape your future.
Here are 6 reasons why you should apply maximum effort to your studies so that you avoid job difficulties or missed career and educational opportunities.
1. Incomplete Preparation for the Demands of Real-World Job Requirements
It’s vital that you don’t waste your time by just trying to “get by” in your college courses. When you later secure a job in your field, it may require a more extensive skill set than your academic program prepared you for. Absorb as much foundational knowledge as possible, and even complete student internships, where appropriate, because industries are changing rapidly. You’ll need to-be “work-ready.”
2. Less Effective Knowledge Recall When Cramming for Exams
It’s tempting to cram for a major exam rather than space out your study over a course of weeks prior to the exam. However, a 2013 study showed that spacing out studies in multiple sessions over time with sleep in between the days resulted in better recall than “massed practice” (or cramming). Students who spread their learning over time are more likely to retain knowledge even years beyond the exam itself. This means if you cram, you might not retain that knowledge you need at a job later.
3. Missing Chances to Be Recommended by Professors for Honor Societies, Graduate School, Scholarships, Work Gigs, and Job Prospects
Students sometimes don’t realize that if they stand out as great students, their professors might refer them to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise know about. For example, my broadcasting professor selected me for a paid gig narrating the freshman orientation film for my university, an added bonus for my broadcasting resume.
- During class one day, another professor recommended a student to a visiting TV news show recruiter scouting for a television sports announcing job. The student not only nailed the position but went on to become a very well-known Los Angeles TV sports announcer with a stellar career.
- A graduate professor nominated me as a candidate for a leadership-oriented national honor society to which I was then accepted—and I wasn’t even seeking it! Being an honor society member always looks favorable on your resume.
4. Failing to be Accepted for Graduate School Because of Your Grade Point Average
In today’s business world, having a master’s degree or an MBA may help you secure or be promoted to a corporate executive role with optimal pay. But you have to be accepted into graduate school through a substantial application package, based in part on your college grade point average. Many universities require that you have at least a B (3.0) GPA earned during your most recent undergraduate coursework. Then, once you’re accepted into graduate school, many institutions also require at least a 3.0 GPA to remain in the program. So, strive for high grades in your bachelor’s courses. You may not be interested in an advanced degree right now, but you might someday in the future.
5. Being Unable to Apply What You Learned to Your Final Thesis, Applied Project, or Capstone Project
You might manage to somehow pull off good grades in graduate school with mediocre work–until your final graduate project. At this point, you must prove that you have mastered the material with the ability to apply it.
For our final graduate capstone project, I and other students had to design a live portfolio website showcasing assignments we completed for our course curriculum. Unfortunately, after years of work, one of my fellow grad students couldn’t demonstrate her mastery of the core design principles her degree required. .
6. Having Mediocre Grades May Limit Prestigious Job Referrals Through Your Career Services Department
If you have a high grade-point average in your bachelor’s, master’s, or MBA program, the software for your university career services platform will send you job referrals to more prestigious organizations with higher paying salaries. Recruiters will also be more likely to reach out about these exceptional opportunities. With a 4.0 GPA, I was approached by organizations like the FBI, the Department of Justice, and even medical schools.
A commitment to academic excellence, and even internships in college, can significantly change the trajectory of your continuing education eligibility, career opportunities, and promotional aspirations.
Imagine the wonderful possibilities—and go for it!
Featured image via Pixabay on Pexels
