Delhi University Student’s Viral Post Highlights the Struggle Between Marks and Skills
Marks may win you medals, but they don’t always guarantee an internship—at least that’s what a Delhi University student has learned the hard way. A viral LinkedIn post by Bisma, a first-year student at Hansraj College, has sparked a broader conversation about the limitations of academic achievements and the increasing importance of practical skills in today’s competitive job market.
Bisma, an English (Hons) student and a college topper, shared her frustration with her followers, revealing that despite her academic success, she had been unable to secure an internship. In her candid post, Bisma acknowledged the harsh reality that skills are often more critical than marks when it comes to securing career opportunities in the real world.
“I’m a topper, and I am unable to get an internship,” Bisma wrote, explaining how it took her some time to accept the fact that while good grades may earn accolades, they don’t necessarily translate into job opportunities. “It took me a while to accept that skills matter more than marks,” she confessed in her post, which quickly gained traction online. The tone of her message, delivered in a mix of English and Hindi, resonated deeply with students and young professionals navigating the pressure of academic success while grappling with the demands of the job market.
In her post, Bisma recalled the countless times she had been advised by family members, teachers, and relatives to prioritize studies, with the assumption that academic performance would naturally lead to success. “All my professors and teachers, and relatives said: focus on your studies! Padhai kaam aayegi, ye nahi! (Studies will help you, not all this),” she shared, highlighting the belief that academic excellence is the ticket to a successful career. But as she soon learned, companies today are more interested in hands-on experience and practical skills than in academic accolades alone.
Bisma’s message was clear: “Pick a skill, master it, and watch how fast opportunities find you.” The stark contrast between her academic achievements and the lack of internship opportunities led to her blunt confession: “50+ certificates, 10+ medals, 10+ trophies, and not a single one helped me in my internship interviews.” This raw truth struck a chord with many young people facing similar challenges.
The post generated an outpouring of support and reflection, with numerous students and professionals sharing their own experiences. One user echoed Bisma’s sentiment, saying, “During graduation, I realized marks are mostly limited to college. In the real world, industries don’t care much about grades; they want practical skills. The theories we studied rarely help directly in jobs.” This user also emphasized the importance of building real-world skills like programming languages, frameworks, and hands-on experience through projects and freelancing.
Others pointed out that while degrees and certificates are important at the beginning of a career, skills are what truly matter in the long run. “Yes, degrees and certificates matter in the beginning, especially for interviews, but in the long run, it’s your skills that matter most,” one user wrote.
Bisma’s post didn’t just go viral—it resonated as a reality check for a generation increasingly frustrated with an educational system that often prioritizes theoretical knowledge over practical application. It was a call to action for students to focus on personal growth, skill-building, and real-world experience. The growing sentiment was clear: In today’s job market, skills are king, and marks are no longer the ultimate measure of success.
As Bisma’s post continues to spark conversations online, it reminds us all that while good grades may open doors, it’s skills and experience that truly build careers.
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