When you’re in the thick of your IB studies, it can be all too easy to lose sight of the benefits of the programme.
So this week’s blog is going to remind you that it will all be worth it in the end! I spoke to a number of IB graduates, asking them why, in hindsight, they are glad they took the DP. Here are their responses!
Flexibility for choices to be made later in life
Alex – graduated from the IB in 2014:
“When I took the IB Diploma, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do at university or in later life. The Diploma offered me some flexibility in making those choices and I was really grateful that I got the chance to explore multiple options through my subjects. The Extended Essay was one of the parts of the IB that I found extremely useful later on at university. Extended Essay gives you a sense of the work you might face at university, and how to approach writing in an academic style. I’ve since graduated from university and started a job in Higher Education, but I find it amazing how many times the things I learned in the diploma I still find myself using today.”
Since completing the IB, Alex has achieved a BA in English Language and Literature, and an MSc in Education. He is now working as a Management Trainee at Imperial College London.
Helped me see things from multiple angles
Julia – completed the IB in 2014:
“The Diploma has helped me see things from multiple angles; the multifaceted learning approach helps regardless of the field of study or work you go into. The IB helps you learn how to structure your thought-process and be able to explain things to others even if they have no background in that subject.”
Some of you might recognise Julia – she is one of our ace School Presenters, supporting IB students around the world!
Learning how to juggle a lot at once
Annabel – completed the IB in 2015:
“At present, I do a variety of things in my job – I’m an instructional designer, so I research, write, and do graphics for online courses! This variety really correlates with the variation in the IB. It taught me how to juggle a lot at once. CAS was good too for making me more rounded; I learnt new things I otherwise wouldn’t have, and it made me more experimental.”
A broader understanding of the world in general
Sam – completed the IB in 2014:
“I enjoyed the IB particularly because of the range of disciplines that it allowed me to pursue. I appreciated the non-European focus of the humanities subjects as it gave me a broader understanding of the world in general. This is something I think is particularly important about the IB; that it gives you remarkable perspective on the world around you. The subjects combined with the core provides an excellent foundation for further study at university, notably through developing skills in critical thinking and research.”
As for me, I am incredibly glad that I made the decision to take the IB rather than A Levels in the UK. I loved how CAS encouraged me to try new things that I would never have experienced otherwise. A few of my CAS experiences were very valuable to discuss in my university applications and job interviews. The skills I’d acquired from my IB English, History, and TOK classes were immensely beneficial. I was able to draw upon my knowledge from these classes, and use them to enhance my arguments in some of my Music essays. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to study six subjects, rather than only three, had I chosen to take A Levels.
So there we have it – numerous varied benefits that the IB will bring later in life! This week’s blog has reminded you that despite the tough and overwhelming moments of the IB (we all have them!), it is all worth it in the end. If you’ve found this blog useful, why not read our previous blog post from IB Alumna Marina Catena.
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for even more wisdom and advice from IB graduates, check out our online private tuition here.
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