Take a Risk and Walk on the Unbeaten Path - Karam Kanwar

As university students, we're frequently reminded of the significance of grades. And yes, doing well academically is essential and one of the key reasons we attend university in the first place. However, I've seen many brilliant students get laser-obsessed with their GPA and overlook equally rewarding experiences outside of courses.

The Limitations of Traditional Thinking

As a UBC student, I have frequently seen peers get overwhelmed by the pressure of achieving high grades. Good marks and studying are essential, but there is a danger of being too focused on academics. Though beneficial in the short run, such a one-track pursuit could stifle growth and development.

At school, one can venture out and work on different projects with limited risks. At what other point do people have the ability to switch their ideal job multiple times a year, start projects and fail, and still land on their feet? I believe it is all about balance - achieve the minimum GPA to open doors for you, and then spend the rest of your time broadening your horizons.

Taking Chances and Seizing Passion Projects

Stepping out of your comfort zone is uncomfortable at the minimum. The chance that something may not work or being worried about how others perceive you is scary. But, at the end of the day, what will you think about in ten years? The high GPA you scored in Financial Accounting or the failed passion project that took over a thousand hours?

In my own experience, the best learnings came outside the classroom.

When I could not land an internship that interested me, I started my startup consulting firm that focused on startups and non-profit entities. This non-traditional work experience exposed me to exciting projects and allowed me to think like an entrepreneur. Similarly, when I could not find a student club that I felt passionate about, I co-founded my own with four other students. Over the next 2 years, our team helped engage hundreds of students with the local startup scene, organized a pitch competition that distributed $15,000 to startups, and helped create nearly a dozen student internship roles.

Logo for my startup consulting agency, which was named Organic Growth Digital

Logo for UBC Startups, which I started with four other students to improve the local startup ecosystem

Even though the projects were successful, I believe that the learning would not have diminished even if they had flopped. These experiences helped me develop leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills. They also taught me more about myself, my leadership style, my work preferences, etc., and it would not have happened if I had stuck to a more conventional path.

Why Not You?

If you're a college student reading this, I urge you to consider: Are you only going along with the crowd, or are you pushing yourself to step out of your comfort zone? It may seem scary, but trust me—the learning and satisfaction you'll gain through unorthodox experiences will far exceed fleeting fears.

College is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try things, fail without consequences, and learn new talents. Grades are crucial, but shouldn't keep you from venturing out of your comfort zone. So, why follow everyone else? Take the road less traveled—you'll be glad you did.

About me

Hey! My name is Karam Kanwar, and I am a final-year finance student at UBC Sauder. 

I have a background working with startups, consulting firms, tech companies, and non-profits, and I enjoy working across industries and disciplines. Most recently, I was employed by a software company, where I got to design and implement internal scalable systems.