What Really Matters for Career Success? Insights from a Corporate Mentor Beyond Credentials

Today, many young people focus heavily on building a dazzling resume as they prepare for employment. Strong academic records, internships and co-op experiences, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities—all these make a candidate appear nearly perfect on paper. However, the reality in the workplace often tells a different story. Cases shared by my niece, who works at a major Canadian company, make us reconsider a fundamental question: Is the key to career success really credentials, or is it attitude?

All the co-op students my niece encountered had impressive resumes. They had experience at well-known companies, excellent school grades, and extensive volunteer records. Yet, when it came to working together, appearances didn’t always match reality. One student kept a smartphone propped up next to their work computer, watching short videos all day. When assigned a task, they didn’t start immediately but first calculated how much time it would take—and then dragged it out all day, rushing only at the last minute to submit results. When asked why, the student said, “If I finish quickly, I might get more work,” reflecting a self-centered attitude.

Another student simply didn’t show up at all. Their reason? They were exercising and hurt their back, so they decided to work from home without notifying the company. Initially, my niece was astonished, but after talking with colleagues, she realized that this was actually a relatively minor issue. Other departments had even more unbelievable stories, and such experiences were not uncommon.

The key point my niece emphasized is that these cases are far from exceptional. Co-op programs generally operate on a pass/fail system, so small details of work attitude often go unnoticed. Issuing a fail grade requires complicated procedures and documentation, making it difficult to do so except in extreme cases. As a result, resumes alone cannot reveal a candidate’s work habits or attitude, and companies frequently encounter situations where outward credentials do not align with actual capabilities.

That said, my niece did not criticize the younger generation. She said, “Experience and skills can still be developed after joining a company.” What truly matters is the willingness to learn, the commitment to work diligently, and the ability to collaborate with colleagues. If these basics are in place, companies are willing to help someone grow even if they lack experience. Conversely, no matter how impressive a resume may be, a person who cannot demonstrate reliability in attitude will struggle to last.

Today’s younger generation has grown up in a fast-changing, digital environment, valuing efficiency, convenience, and individual choice. However, organizational life is different. Collective goals, collaboration, and responsibility take precedence over personal freedom. Companies do not just want someone who finishes tasks—they seek team members who can build trust and move the organization forward together.

What should job seekers focus on? First, they need to develop proper work habits: completing assigned tasks responsibly and managing time conscientiously. Second, they need to learn to collaborate, considering not just their own performance but also the smooth functioning of the team through communication and support. Third, maintaining a mindset of learning and growth is essential. Even if there are shortcomings early on, showing diligence and a willingness to learn earns recognition.

Credentials may catch attention, but they are not enough for long-term success. Ultimately, those who are recognized and grow within a company are the ones who have prepared their attitude, not just their resume. Small daily habits and a sincere mindset determine future opportunities. The real competitive edge for young people lies not in what is written on a resume, but in proper work attitude and a conscientious mindset.