The World Doesn’t Care About Your GPA. So What Really Matters?

The “real world” doesn’t care about your college GPA, and success is really based on three essential qualities. 

In a commencement speech at Kean University this May, Neil deGrasse Tyson, esteemed scientist, author, and educator, argued that five years into the future no one would give a thought to college grades, and he exhorted graduates to focus instead on three essential qualities: 

1. Solve problems: Why would an employer value someone who memorized information when he could have a person who thinks critically, adapts to new circumstances, and generates fresh solutions. The world is rapidly evolving, so cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges and change. 
2. Do good work: The measure of success, according to N.D.T., lies in the quality and impact of a person’s efforts.  Employers want hard workers, of course, but that mean more than mere diligence. It means dedication to accomplishing work that is high quality and meaningful. Standing out requires exceeding expectations, while continually striving to improve. Focus on the substance of your contributions and your work will speak for itself,
3. Be a good person: Moral integrity and ethical behavior are Tyson’s most important success criteria. In a world where moral lapses and scandals seem ubiquitous, morality involves more than mere rule- following:  It requires embodying values like empathy, honesty, and respect.  These qualities foster the trust and collaboration that make enterprises excel.

What qualities do you think really matter most in one’s life and career? To join the conversation, click "comments" below because we would really like to get your feedback!

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