Is a Social Life Important?

If you listen to most parents and teachers you will go to college believing that the only important thing for you to do is study hard and get good grades. Nothing could be further from the truth. While studying and getting good grades is a good thing and will give you a slight advantage over other graduates it is not sufficient to guarantee success in the workplace. There are a lot of other important skills that you need to learn to be successful.

Employers are looking for leaders, people who can make decisions, accept responsibility and give orders. But they also want people who are team players and can take orders as well as follow directions. Everyone has heard of corporate politics, well it is a reality in the workplace and you must have good people skills to survive the political infighting that is a fact of life in most large (and unfortunately most small) companies.

Where do you learn these skills? Can you take a class in them? Not on most campuses. You can learn these very important skills by developing a good social life while you are a student. Let’s look at how you can develop them.

Study groups – these groups can help you get better grades as well as develop the skills needed to mentor future subordinates and co-workers. Whether you are the one helping or are receiving help, you can study the dynamics of the situation and learn what works and what doesn’t work.

Student organizations – most organizations are dedicated to a specific purpose and hold fund raising events and frequently work on projects to improve life on campus or in the surrounding community. As a member you can volunteer to work on a project or even to lead one. Besides having fun and meeting new people, you will also be learning valuable skills as a team leader or a team member. But do try to take a leadership role on at least on of the projects.

Social Networks – you can create a network of friends that can last a life time and may someday be a boon to your career. After graduation, a holiday card with one of those “happenings throughout the year” newsletters can help you keep in touch. Someday, you may be out of work and these people will be an excellent resource to provide insider information on jobs at their companies.

Where do you meet these people? Almost everywhere, at sporting events, parties, social gatherings, concerts and plays, in the classroom, etc. In other words, I’m taking about developing a network of friends with whom you share at least one common interest. Some of these friendships will last a lifetime.

Developing an active social life while you are in college is absolutely essential for learning those all important people skills that every employer is looking for in candidates. If you master these skills and have good grades, you have a bright future in front of you.