As college students we often find it crucial to get good grades and study in order to get a high paying job that wont tie us to our debt. We view social gatherings and networking events as a pastime. But should we be viewing these events with the same high priority and regard as going to class and doing homework? Success is not solely determined by a string of letters on your transcript but by your ability to navigate the complex web of the real world, where connections and involvement are paramount. Your GPA in college does not reflect your ability to succeed after college; rather, getting involved and making connections are the true indicators of future success.

A Harvard study found that more and more employers look at social and team skills rather than high school GPAs. If you were to measure success by salary alone, a job candidate with high social skills and low math skills are 3 times more likely to get a job offer than a candidate with low social skills and high math skills.

The adage, “It’s not what you know but who you know,” holds true in the professional world. Building a network and forming meaningful connections can open doors to opportunities that a high GPA alone cannot. These connections provide access to mentors, job openings, and collaborative projects that can propel one’s career and personal growth.

What is networking? Networking, often viewed as the art of forming and maintaining relationships, extends beyond just connecting with peers. It involves interacting with professors, mentors, alumni, and professionals within the student’s field of interest. These connections serve as catalysts for numerous opportunities, including internships, research projects, job referrals, and collaborative ventures. Such opportunities can have a profound impact on a student’s career trajectory. Networking not only provides opportunities for career advancement but also fosters the development of soft skills and emotional intelligence. These skills, including effective communication, active listening, and empathy, are invaluable assets in any professional setting.

Citations

Powell, A. (2018, August 30). Social skills increasingly valuable to employers, Harvard Economist finds. Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/10/social-skills-increasingly-valuable-to-employers-harvard-economist-finds/

YEC. “Council Post: Do College Grades Predict Future Success?” Forbes, 19 Oct. 2020, http://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2020/10/19/do-college-grades-predict-future-success/?sh=7d53ce7e5af6. Accessed 24 Oct. 2023.