You probably had blockmates who are consistently perfect in their exams and always being awarded that shiny gold medal for studying so hard. During those times, you are sure that they will get into any company they want and in 3 to 5 years time, become the manager of a big time company. The good life awaits them.
But there are cases that you will hear he or she wasn’t accepted by the company, despite the almost perfect grades he or she always receives! Shocking right?
But it does happen. Mainly because in the corporate world, there’s a big difference between a school smart and a street smart.
But it does happen. Mainly because in the corporate world, there’s a big difference between a school smart and a street smart.
A school smart is what you would describe as the straight A student in class. Always doing the assignments, listening to the teacher, studying very hard on every subject. A street smart, on the other hand, may not always have A’s in his/her card. Sometimes they even fail a subject or two. Or perhaps seem to be bored in class. But what distinguishes them from a school smart is that they are very practical when it comes to problems. We Filipinos call them madiskarte.
While good grades are definitely essential, companies are looking for an assurance that the school smart they are considering will solve the problems the company has. In fact, for multinational companies like P&G, Unilever, and Nestle, the skills and capabilities of an applicant are about as equally important to them as their academic record. This is where the street smart comes in. It really wouldn't matter if an applicant has a perfect GPA if he or she does not know what to do in dire situations. Always remember that in the corporate world, unexpected situations are always going to happen and how one deals with it may save or destroy a company.
How about you, would you hire a school smart or a street smart? What would you want to be?
