The Competition in Institutions

Fortunately, in the University I studied, I did not experience any politics and conspiracies that academic competition creates. When I was to join my first formal job, I chose such a company where I was told that leg-pulling was not the culture. After spending few weeks there, I found out that it was partially true. In experience, I always tend to pull myself back from the negative aspects of a competition. But the fact is that it exists, and it is everywhere in varying degrees.

Life in the 21st century logically implies competition. Resources are sooner or later going to be depleted. Our imperfect economic systems will ultimately show their darker side. In fact the current economic crisis of 2009 has already shown the failure of financial institutions and the spiralling effect on every field. Companies shamelessly lay-off employees, and after some time start hiring again. This all implies that employees are in constant competition to survive the hire-and-fire cycle.

How does it feel to be part of a competitive environment? The answer depends upon whether the darker side is more pervasive or the lighter side. As in my University, the competition was always positive. At least my experience was of a wholesome competition. Of course there are always cases of cheating and plagiarism, but here there were also exemplary and unbiased punishments for these cases. At least I never came across any conspiracy that some jealous person may create.


My family used to beware me of conspiracies where some so-called friends even attempted murder of the person they were jealous of, but that fear was too far-off. As they say, evil drives the idle hands. Students in some good university do not get time to plot against their colleagues. But yes, let me think again. There was a student, who used to believe his future was marred by one of our teachers and some day when he gets chance, he would harm the teacher. Such an ill will was a by-product of an ignorant and careless lifestyle on the part of the student, not because of a wicked teacher. As far as I knew the teacher taught very well. It is just that the teachers there demanded too much performance from the students. Those who failed to perform, could get into negative feelings.

Our University has created a tougher study environment than others. The assignments, the mid-terms and the projects make us work day and night. In the end, those who graduate are better suited to tough environments. One of the best things I learned from here is working under stress, working hard and not losing head. I lost my nerves during the studies, but they were stronger once I graduated. Alhamdolillah.