I always want to compare myself to other students. Naturally, I am competitive and I wonder where that drive comes from?
Thinking about education and how students in the United States are taught to learn helps us understand the competitive drive a little bit better. Where a “C” student, meaning average,” is considered mediocrity, and an “A” student is exceptional, we can see that we all want to win from what we are taught as children. From college choice to major selection, competition is embedded into our everyday lives as students.
I am competitive, and always want to win. Win what? I have no idea. Being the best, especially in public relations is a factor that my school specifically loves to bring up. Competition for grades in class, academic programs, presentation skills, speaking skills, performance on projects – it can be suffocating. This also hints as to the public relations field, and what I can expect in entering the PR job market.
I am not saying competition is entirely bad, it can be a great motivator, but it can distract students because the focus from quality work and understanding lessons changes direction to “win” and “being the best.” Some people may feel that this is a good thing, but for me I can honestly say it gets overwhelming.
What can students do? Well if your like me and have a hard time dealing with the competitive drive maybe doing projects in which there is no reward. I work for a PR group called Allen Hall Public Relations and we work together as an agency. There is no competition but we all work together to get the job done for clients and their many projects. This helps me learn outside of classroom and understand that the work is what’s important not being the best.
For those of you who need a little push or drive to get them to work I recommend the Bateman Case Study Competition. It was created for PR students to compete on a national level and teach students. Its “an opportunity to exercise the analytical skills and mature judgment required for public relations problem-solving, “ according to the Public Relations Student Society of America website. If you are interested in competing with teams across the nation visit the PRSSA website for more information.
Good luck to you all, and remember competition will always be there, don’t let it consume you, and enjoy being a student who has a lot to learn.
Photo from: http://www.buffalothrillsbusiness.com/analyze-your-business-competition.html
