There is a noticeable trend among business school students to frequently share personal sentiments about their workload. Interestingly, this narrative often focuses not on the academic demands of the university itself but rather on the efforts dedicated to internships and involvement in student club initiatives. While the ambition and work ethic of a motivated student body should undoubtedly be celebrated, it is worth questioning the direction and ultimate outcomes of this trend.

In general, student engagement in any constructive endeavour is commendable and should be encouraged—except in cases where such efforts are aligned with extremist ideologies or activities that pose long-term harm to society. However, what I have observed in recent months is a growing tendency among students to channel their energy into tasks that appear designed solely to enhance their résumés. This inclination towards relentless self-optimization fosters a culture of conformity rather than independent thought or creativity.

These conversations often unfold as informal competitions, where students gather after breaks to compare who worked the most hours in their internships, whether in investment banking, venture capital, or consulting. As a result, leisure activities are deprioritized, with the lack of free time becoming a second-tier status symbol, an indication of one’s dedication to work above all else.

While it is important to respect individual choices and acknowledge the value of hard work, it is concerning that so much youthful energy and potential is being directed toward activities that provide little tangible benefit to society. This is especially troubling when considering how interns often spend their time in these roles: creating endless slide decks, working gruelling hours without being fully utilised, attending meeting marathons, and contributing to outcomes that often lack meaningful societal impact.

Among these groups, students who leverage the academic environment to develop critical thinking and challenge the status quo are rare. This is particularly concerning, as today’s students will eventually become the leaders of their respective fields—yet many have been conditioned to succeed by adhering to a conformist approach. Traditional student virtues, such as questioning authority, engaging in debate (even in informal discussions), or embracing innovative approaches to problem-solving, seem largely absent.

A potential way forward would involve adjustments on both sides. Employers could refine recruitment practices to place less emphasis on the number of internships completed, while students could be encouraged to pursue work that addresses critical societal issues—contributing to impact beyond generating shareholder value for a select few. The prospect of shaping the future of our planet and society should, in itself, be a powerful motivator—especially for students. With numerous pressing global challenges in need of solutions, many bright minds remain engaged in a predetermined career path. It’s time to channel this talent and effort into causes that truly matter!