The Shelf Life of Academic Knowledge

In a rapidly changing world, what you learned in your first year of university may already be outdated by the time you graduate. A high GPA demonstrates that you excelled at mastering a set curriculum in a controlled environment. The workplace, however, is rarely controlled.

• The Reality: Employers are looking for “learnability.” They need staff who can quickly adapt to new software, changing market trends and evolving workplace systems. A candidate who believes they already know everything because of their grades can struggle in a professional environment that demands continuous growth and flexibility.

The Soft Skill of Humility

Coachability is deeply connected to emotional intelligence. It requires the humility to admit mistakes and the resilience to accept constructive criticism without taking it personally.

• The Employer’s Perspective: A manager would rather hire a “B student” who asks, “How can I improve next time?” than an “A student” who becomes defensive when corrected. The first employee becomes an asset that grows stronger over time, while the second can slow down team productivity and learning.

Training for Skill, Hiring for Attitude

We often hear local employers say they can teach a skill, but they cannot teach attitude. Technical tasks such as filing a tax return, managing social media accounts or operating machinery can be taught within weeks. A proactive and coachable mindset, however, is built over years through experience and self-awareness.

How to Demonstrate Coachability

If you are a job seeker, do not rely only on your certificates. During interviews, share a story about a time you failed, received difficult feedback and changed your behaviour because of it. That shows employers you are adaptable, a quality far more valuable than a perfect score on paper.