Are passing exams the standard proof of showing your capability? (From Hereford Times)

Are passing exams the standard proof of showing your capability?

9:00am Thursday 15th December 2011 in Paul Rogers Blog By Paul Rogers

I AM in an ecstatic mood at the moment having yesterday found out that I have passed my senior reporter exams.

Years of hard work has finally paid off and I am not only happy for myself, but also everyone who has helped me along the way, as without their support, I would not have got to this stage.

Of course I'm delighted at having passed them, as it's something to put on the CV and be proud of, not forgetting that I will be getting a pay rise of course.

But, even if I had failed them, I know that it would not be an indication that I am not good at my job or am a capable reporter.

It seems that to show people that are you're capable of doing soemthing, you have to pass an exam.

Whether it be at school, work or even driving, it is genuinely accepted that you have to show your worth by passing a set of criteria set out by an authoritative body.

I think that should still remain the case as it is the best way to prove to someone that you have the capabilities to enter a profession or to progress to the next level.

But, on the other hand, just because someone hasn't got the necessary qualifications, does that mean that they are any less worthy than those who have?

Taking exams is one of the most stressful things that anyone can do and the pressure of them affects a lot of people.

You can revise as much as you want, but if you don't perform on the day, you fail them, even if you and everyone else knows you fully capable of passing them.

It's the same with driving tests.

We've all seen bad drivers on the roads and question as to how they have a licence, whereas there are tonnes of people who prove they can drive during their lessons, but cannot get one because they make mistakes on the big day.

Footballers also have to get pro licences these day to become a manager, even if they have got years of experience in the game.

I believe that you learn most in life through experience.

Of course, I learnt a lot studying journalism at university and college, but none more so than while on the job, as then you are dealing in the real world.

So good luck to everyone when they are taking exams and hope you get to where you want to be in life, but if you fail first time, don't be too disheartened.

Just tell yourself that you're good at what you do, never give up and in the end you'll get there!