I always liked English – it was never my worst subject, and I quite enjoyed learning new words and phrases. However, for the last few years, my love for the language has become more of a passion. I have read countless books on the subject and even taken online courses to improve my writing. Now, I can confidently say I have a wealth of knowledge on the subject, and I feel inspired to share it with you.
The Overachiever
I don’t know about you, but I have a close friend who epitomizes the term ‘overachiever’. In a nutshell, an overachiever is someone who continually pushes themselves beyond what others would consider to be their limits. They are self-motivated and determined to succeed – and with good reason!
Let’s take a closer look at what makes up an overachiever’s resume (bio as you might know it):
- Awards and Achievements: My friend has won awards and gained recognition for her academic prowess. Despite having a full-time job, she still finds the time to study for her law degree. Needless to say, she is highly motivated and driven – and much of that is down to her passion for learning. She has also achieved a number of academic distinctions, which only boosts her self-image.
- Extracurricular Activities: During her gap year, she was the co-founder and leader of a student organization that focused on environmental issues. She gave up a Saturday of every week to work on the group’s projects, which included reforesting a local park. This was just one of the many activities she was involved in during her time at university. In addition to this, she was also a member of two other organizations on campus. The first focused on social justice and the other on international affairs. Through these, she became more aware of the global nature of our world and how each of us is interconnected. This has stayed with her and influenced the way she views life and learning.
- Personal Projects: As well as achieving an impressive degree, my friend also developed a passion for cooking and baking. She took on the role of head chef at a guesthouse that she owns, and is constantly experimenting with new recipes. Some of her more popular dishes include salami pasta and chocolate brownie. To get the best results, she creates detailed meal plans that cover all the nutritional requirements of the body. The diet hasn’t hindered her academic career in any way, and in fact, it seems to have improved her grades. She is a living example of how good nutrition can boost your performance at school and in life.
- Career: After graduating from university, my friend decided to specialise in business law. Although this is a broad area, she has decided to further her studies in intellectual property. This area of law specifically deals with copyright and trademarks, which means she will be advising companies on the legalities of creating original work and getting it branded. She sees this as a great opportunity to develop her skills while benefiting others. She is also determined to get a good job that will allow her to develop her business ideas and make a real impact in the world.
The Skill Set
A skilled writer, speaker, and organic gardener, her versatility makes her a valuable asset in today’s job market. She is able to translate her extensive knowledge of plants into engaging and informative writing, with a special emphasis on native Australian flora. In addition to this, she has the ability to turn any subject matter into a compelling narrative – whether it’s a biography, a story about a struggle, or an essay on language learning. As a result of her versatility, she has been able to secure a number of high-profile jobs, including a contributing editor role at a well-known magazine and a freelance writer for an international newspaper.
Why Study English?
As I mentioned above, my friend has an amazing ability to communicate with absolute precision. This is down to her incredible command of the English language. Having said that, why should you study English if you are happy working in a call centre or selling insurance? Or if you are pursuing a career in business, why should you study commerce when you can get a job in corporate law? The short answer is that these are all rewarding careers, but they don’t really require an academic background to succeed.
On the other hand, if you are looking to further your studies, you have a variety of options open to you. The subject of English can lead you to higher education, and even if you don’t end up going down that road, a formal English education will put you ahead of the competition when it comes to getting a job.
Even if you don’t want to study at a tertiary level, developing your writing and speaking skills through English will still make you better suited for a career in business, law, or media. If you are looking for a challenge, why not try for an English degree and see what happens? It can be a lot of fun learning a foreign language, and it can also open up a whole new world of opportunities – both personally and professionally.