Have you ever believed something to be true during your secondary/high school days and maybe even longer, just to find out you have been wrong your entire life? While these stories may have been true about college/universities from your friends, parents and teachers, universities have changed a lot since they attended. In this article, we will look at some common lies that you may have believed. Let’s set the record straight.
Your major/course of study will determine your career path
While most students don’t believe that their course of study/major will determine their career path, the majority of students have come to assume the opposite. According to a recent study, 82% of graduates researched the employability of a course before determining what major/course to pursue in the university. While it may be connected in some way, earning a degree in Banking and finance, doesn’t necessarily mean you will be working in the bank. Your degree is only a prerequisite for the competitive workforce; the topic is irrelevant your experience is, be it on the job or off the job, is what people notice. And yes, there are certain jobs that require the skills affiliated with specified degrees, such as engineering, architecture, and computer science. But by and large, your university degree is unlikely to have any bearing on your career success.
When admitted, get involved in all campus activities
For most students, getting involved in all campus activities: sports, student council, community service clubs, volunteering services, etc. will give them an edge in life. This is really not the case at the university. Here, nobody expects you to do it all. Although it’s important to stay involved in major-related clubs and anything that interests you while in the university but you don’t need to be president of all clubs in order to feel like you are accomplishing something.
Professors don’t care if you attend classes
During the admission process, many people have been told that Professors don’t really care if they attended classes or not. But in all my years in the university, 90% of my classes have had some kind of attendants or participation grade. So, yes. They definitely care if you’re in class.
Focus only on your academics
Why academics may remain your school first priority, there are other areas of importance you should focus on. Areas like having enough time for social-professional learning, project-based tasks, arts, and skill, etc. When students focus their attention on grades only, they fall miserably short of what the world needs. Out of classrooms skillset/experience are what helps students develop essential life skills: working together as a team, taking responsibility for your actions, and other essential skills.
If you attain a first-class degree, you are guaranteed a perfect life
To be honest, it completely seemed true that during your undergraduate journey, students who will attain first-class degrees are guaranteed a perfect life. Well, having a first-class degree is not a guarantee for the front seat of success. Although it seemed only natural that getting a first-class degree at least gives you an advantage, improve your chances of employment, which is considered a success considering how much competitors there are for jobs. Plus, a first-class degree will offer individuals with extensive options to explore opportunities of their choice. For anyone who didn’t get a first-class degree, you will probably figure out later that you did just fine.