Good grades paradigm
I've noticed that you must choose which profile you want to present on your CV since the beginning. University is demanding, and I haven't been able to maximize my grades to be in the top five of my class while also attempting to create other extracurricular activities, secure internships, and begin networking since my first year, because I devote time for that while others don't. All of these activities take time as you know. There are those who are solely concerned with achieving good grades and do not bother to look for internships. Isn't it true that the most useful profile for corporations is someone who performs well but also has other interests? As a first-year student, I'm in that mindset; I'm receiving good grades, but I feel like I need to devote even more time to all of the 'career themes.'Like, instead of studying extra hours, I would use that time to learn interviews tips, or build financial models and increase my commercial awareness, is that OK?I don't believe that the majority of the highest-performing analysts at the top institutions had the best of the best grades; rather, they had grades that didn't detract from their overall profile.How did you managed this in your university years? Or now if you are a student?
Just theorise in your head what either of the two paths will end up sounding like in an interview. The question being, 'What do you get up to in your free time?'
Student A, the Busy Bee, says, 'What free time? Haha! I read Nietzsche and my textbooks 5 times over before I am allowed to wake up. This way I am ready for my battle of internal thoughts in the shower! It gets really heated in there.. Haha! I then browse 4chan's 'Politically Incorrect' board before Mommy cooks my chicken tenders'
Student B, the Life Enjoyer, says, 'I cook a good breakfast, go for a morning run and read my favourite comedy American Psycho. I then deadlift 4pl8 for reps followed by hip thrusts x failure. I then proceed to sprint home just in time to glance over my textbooks, before hopping on Fortnite with the boys. They drop me their good loot when we're done wiping Tilted Towers.'
Student A and B get A*s and low As as grades, respectively.
I don't know who you're hiring, but my money's on B.
Good analogy. Thank.you
You want to get solid grades. But you also want to take time to pursue extracurriculars you’re interested in, time for friends, and set some time aside to think about what you want to pursue (say IB, consulting, whatever) and try to land internships that will allow you to build a better profile towards that goal.
If I came across a profile of someone with say a 4.0 GPA, and someone with 3.7 to 3.8 GPA but has been involved in interesting ECs (could be case competitions, sports, something that demonstrates interest + commitment), I’d interview both, but I would guess in most cases the latter would be a better fit. Besides landing the tech questions, the other half of the interview is just fit - “do I like this person?”, “Would I enjoy working with them?”…
Grades are one metric for intelligence, but it’s not a measure for soft skills or EQ. Doing other things outside of school also helps showcase time management skills.
Also… set aside whether or not it’s good for your resume... Making time to enjoy yourself or step away from just school can be helpful too mental health wise. If you’re only 100% focused on studying, you can burn out.
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