Escaping tunnel visions of success

For many students, university is an exciting way to propel their career whether it’s through their academic program, co-op jobs or networking. But these opportunities can also create serious pressures.

Students may develop unrealistic expectations of success, which puts their mental health at risk. It’s no longer getting a job you’re passionate about, but rather how grand the title or salary is.

Inayah Chaudhary, an undergraduate student in the Mathematical Optimization program, felt pressured to secure a job with a big tech company like Facebook or Amazon, because of the prestige her peers placed on those jobs. “I noticed some students would develop tunnel vision. Their entire co-op applications were for jobs in Silicon Valley, or they would dismiss great opportunities because they were from small companies.”

In addition to feeling pressured, this mentality can also lead students to feel unsatisfied with their accomplishments because they perceive they don’t measure up with their peers. “Sometimes self-doubt creeps in, especially when you see so many amazing people receive internships from big-name companies,” says Reyna Dai, a student in Waterloo’s business and math double degree program.

Three Waterloo students reflect on their experiences and share how they’ve managed common misconceptions about success and the student experience to promote better mental health and well-being.

Define your own success

During her third co-op, Chaudhary joined  Waterloo’s Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) program, where students can create their own business. She co-founded HEYO, a startup designed to automate influencer marketing. It was then that she began to realize her true career passion.

“Not everyone's values and goals are going to be the same as yours, and that’s okay. That doesn’t mean your success is less success,” Chaudhary says. “To better understand your values, always keep your past self in mind. What were their dreams like before going to university? Then, you're more willing to pursue your own passions.”

Now, Chaudhary’s career goal is to “build products for a better future” whether it’s working at a local start-up or creating her own venture. “I'm not valuing my success based on if I made it to Silicon Valley. I'm valuing my success based on my own definition. Did I work at a company where I had an impact? Did I build something I liked? Did I contribute something to the world?”

Friend not foe

When scrolling through LinkedIn, it’s easy to feel inferior when you see your peers post about their latest achievements. However, Eric Zhang, a student in Software Engineering, encourages students to shift their mindset by seeing these posts “as inspiration, not competition.”

“If your peers are working somewhere you are interested in, you can always reach out for advice. Ask them what they've done to achieve where they’re at now, and if they have faced any challenges along the way.”

Leaning into your local circle can also help you deal with stress. “Always work with your classmates. Don’t be afraid to ask or offer help like posting and sharing notes or building projects together,” Zhang says.

Compete with your past self

Dai stopped comparing herself with others when she realized it was a toxic and endless cycle. She realized that to improve, you must compare yourself with your past.

“Why are you comparing yourself with someone who has a completely different background, environment, skillset, personality as you? Everyone has their own pace,” Dai shares. “Every second you spend thinking about others, is a second you could be investing in your own growth”.

Take a break 

Another important piece of advice is to value personal and social growth just as much as career and academics. Dai encourages students to seek community by joining various campus clubs and organizations. She also believes prioritizing wellness activities is key to avoid burn-out.

“Every week, I schedule at least 30 minutes to do something I enjoy like playing volleyball or grabbing ice cream. It forces me to see my well-being as something I need to do rather than if I have time or as a reward,” Dai says.

At Waterloo, we're committed to supporting students in finding a community where they can belong, succeed and grow. Visit the current student website to explore opportunities to get involved, find help and access support.