
Scholarship season is almost here, and that can only mean
that the application to scholarships are open. But before you dive head first
and foolishly apply for all the available scholarships, here are 5 questions
you need to ask yourself before clicking that “submit” button.
What Are Your Passions?
As cliché as this might have become, your passions have to
align with the scholarship provider’s vision. We say this because most
scholarships have a bond attached to the scholarship provider; you need to have
your passions aligned so that it does not just become another job but one that
can help build your career with. A scholarship can only take you so far, but
your passion is that one that will drive you to succeed when times are tough.
How Far Are You
Willing to Pursue Your Passions?
The fact is, for the first few foundation months or first
year of serving the bond, it will be trying. You will most likely not be able
to work on your passion directly, and while your friends are having an epic
graduation trip, you will be stuck in an office cubicle. Sacrifices will be
made. Building this foundation is an important stepping-stone in your career as
you will be learning the ropes of the trade, and essentially learning how the
scholarship provider runs its organization.
Where Do You See
Yourself in 5 to 7 Years?
Building on the previous two questions, are you really
passionate about your interests, enough to want to pursue it for the long run?
A scholarship is not just for a short-haul, these are your formative working
years and serving this bond with your scholarship provider will provide you
with a myriad of opportunities for growth that will set the tone for the rest
of your working career.
Is It Just For
Monetary Benefits?
This is perhaps one of the biggest mistakes most scholarship
applicants make. If there is no passion and your ideals or vision do not align
with the scholarship provider, you are setting yourself up for a rough ride
ahead. As mentioned above, a scholarship
is not a short-term stint but a long-term commitment.
Do You Know The Role
of the Scholarship Provider?
While sometimes it might seem like a no brainer about what each scholarship provider does, there are also many different departments within the organisation. Apart from just reading up on their vision from their website, go the extra mile and experience it for yourself. Contact their scholarship team for more details. Some scholarship providers actually provide internships and site visits to the office for perspective scholars to understand their operations in greater detail.
Just remember, a scholarship is more than just a ticket to
fund your studies and opportunity for travel. A scholarship will mould you
during your most formative working years and pave the way for your future
career. So choose carefully!
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