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During the exam-period, you could notice a really standard, exam-related phenomenon; people getting anxious and nervous about their grades, as if they are the most important things in their lives. I myself may have gotten the same feeling from time to time.
“Every person represents his own opportunity. You are an opportunity… all by yourself.”
The thing is, that a single grade (or many accumulated grades, in that matter) will not largely shape your career/ life. Yeah, sure, having that wondrously beautiful ‘10’ as an average is a damn great plus. But what people often fail to realize, is that the University is not exclusively about the grades. It is also about what you do in your non-lecture/ non-homework time. Why, yes, that is also part of your University education; be it going out and having a drink, socializing or reading a book, you can find the educational aspect in almost anything. Education does not have to be technical; it is also about the people, and the relationships you cultivate. As much as many would like to think of the Job Market as a highly logical and structured field, many times it is not. Being well networked can get you much further than just having top-skills – then again, a combination of both can make you a superstar. That is why you should attempt to do other interesting things in your free time. Using myself as an example, I have recently approached the SAA with an idea about hosting our own Model United Nations – a conference that simulates the workings of the United Nations - a perfect occasion for guys to wear suits and for girls to try out their new heels. Apparently, the SAA saw this as a good skill-crafting chance for our Student Community, got involved, and now, having gathered a great team, we are in the process of organizing it. Apart from that, I also wrote an article on Medium and after posting that particular article, I got asked to write something for Focus Student Magazine as well. That, only from getting my thoughts and ideas out in public! The bottom line here is to get yourself out there, in any way possible. Do you have a special thought? Write it down. Do you have a special skill? Showcase it. Only in this way will people get to know you and handout opportunities to you. You cannot go around blaming people of not recognizing you, when you do not take the necessary steps in handing them the plate with your name on it. And one extra thing. Ask. Apart from getting yourself out there, also ask questions. I mean, ask everyone who you feel might have an answer. Do you want an internship in a particular company? Just ask them if they would like to hire you, you might get lucky, who knows? Do you want to get to know someone? See if you have any mutual friends around. Or are you simply in need of help? Seek it from your network. You would be surprised about how willing people are to help. Especially if you play the “Hey, I am a student” card. So, do not stress that much about grades, it is good to have them, but Hades will not come and take your soul if you get a 02 instead of a 10 in Micro. Just go public. Network and court serendipity. Every person represents his own opportunity. You are an opportunity… all by yourself.