Is College Teaching You the Skills to Succeed in Life?September 22, 2017

There's a huge difference between conquering the waves in Bondi and learning resilience. You can learn both during your first year in university, but the latter would be more important. Not everything would turn you into a productive, if not successful, adult. (Mastering Shakespearean language may show a promise of a bright career in theatre, but there won't be a guarantee elsewhere.) Your professors won't remind you about it, as they must focus on the syllabus. And there would be many topics to discuss. Your tutor could bring it up during a conversation, though. The rest should be up to you.

This topic is very important for a number of reasons. Many students don't have a clue about what they would would expect from them after graduating from the university. As a matter of fact, they are likely to end up in a low-paying job. Some wouldn't mind it, as experience count most. If you're plotting your career early on, then you should know that you could do much better. Most teenagers want to live at the moment, and it's seemingly normal. Only a few (in the professional world) would understand it, though. Lastly, all students are unaware of their place in the university. It's a rite of passage, but it's more than that.

Let's focus on failure, career training, and social skills.

3 Things That Will Turn You into a Successful Adult

Failing well is as important as success. You can compose a post-it note, which reads: "You're a worthy human being after failing at one or more examinations or missing several deadlines to your essay assignments." If this will make you feel good (whenever you feel gutted from how you handle the coursework), then look at it as often as you can. Let's put it in a proper perspective, though. A failure can be costly, if not a cause of disappointment to your parents. You might give it your best effort, but there's something else. A high mark on your essay paper doesn't indicate a successful life outside the four walls of the lecture room. It rather prepares you for more trials, which will test your capabilities. It can leave you exhausted, and there will be moments when you yearn for those carefree days. If your coursemate is struggling with the coursework, then offer encouragement. You might show your post-it note.

There's a course called career training. An English degree covers everything you need to know about literature and the English language. It doesn't mention note-taking, which can be helpful whenever you prepare for an examination. Your professors may not remind you of close reading, as they have assumed that you know it by heart. (You won't receive an unconditional offer otherwise.) And you must learn time management on your own. (You should be good at it before the end of your first year.) These skills will come in handy for any job. (It's vital in an academic setting, though.) Universities have consider adding a course like this, which would turn teenagers into (responsible) adults. Then again, the school budget might not be enough. Furthermore, the members of the faculty have been students once. They learned these skills the hard way. The free flow of information (via the Internet) is supposed to make it easier for the younger generation, but that sense of entitlement would be another issue. You must be grateful for your time in the university. It's an opportunity, so take it seriously.

Why you must interact with people. You'll have new mates, and it's likely that you'll keep in touch with them. You'll also learn about their boundaries, and how to deal with it. Either respect it (and gain a lifelong friend) or charge it to experience (and look for another one). You'll also find out (the hard way) that not everyone will fancy you. Either you shrug it off or take it hard (and have a cautious view about relationships). You'll bomb or fail at friendship at some point, and it happens to everyone. Don't ignore the lessons, which you'll recall during your first month in the office. It would be your first job, and you don't have a clue about the professional world. As you grow older, you'll realise that it's better not to rile others. Peace of mind will be more preferable than being right at times.

The Other Skills That Will Help You Later in Life

Some experts point out the culture of testing, which inhibits students from learning the lessons that will be essential later in life. In this particular case, you might have excelled in focus. How about self-control? It's hard to tell unless you're keeping your addictive habits from your flatmates. Motivation will be another thing. (High mark may compel you to be competitive in nature, but it won't work in an office setting.) You should be aware of these factors, which can spell a difference. And it won't be included in your evaluation.

Success in coursework shows promise if not ensures a job offer before you complete your studies. It won't suggest that you would be a successful, happy thirtysomething professional, though. You must understand work-life balance at this (early) stage.

If you feel like you're missing something, then don't hesitate to talk about it with your mates. Don't be afraid to bring it up during your chat with your tutor. It can make your life easier afterward.

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