Are leadership skills necessary for college success by Morgan

Are leadership skills necessary for college success by Morgan - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

While leadership skills may be more of a personality trait, college success is based more on the mere knowledge of the coursework and material. While not diminishing the effectiveness of leadership skills and charisma in influencing the student-professor relationship (or even student-student relationship), ultimately the student must understand and be able to relay their knowledge of the subject matter. Clearly, an effective student has just enough confidence to effectively communicate but not so much that they seem to wield control away from their professor.

In the work force, however, leadership skills are vital. Without them, even an employee who is excellent at their job will be relegated to menial tasks while the newcomer receives the applause and promotion associated with success. I guess we have to ask ourselves. “Are we satisfied with college success or do we want that success to be matched in the real world with true success?” Then the next question is “How does one define success when there are no grades?”

During our time at the university, we develop strategies to use our time more effectively, learn innovative study tools, and yes… sometimes there is even cheating going on around us. These techniques, while helpful, may only be helpful for that short 4-year window while earning our degree. When we exit the campus with a little piece of paper and a brand new tassel, those skills we learned will be tossed to the wayside never to be used with the same fervor again. Sure, we may pass them on to the next generation if we are kind-hearted.

Leadership skills will be crucial in developing any extracurricular program such as Student Government, Cheer Squad or any number of activities where your name, your smile and your effective communication skills come into play. These situations are few if you are one of the many students who are “just a student.” Living on campus, many students trudge along to classes, campus jobs and the immediate group of friends. “Leadership positions” are relegated to the mighty few who were born to emote. They are the lucky ones who may be the next Congressman, Miss America or Entrepreneur, but as for college success, leadership skills are NOT absolutely necessary.