Smart work lords over hard work because a hard working person will get it done for you, but a smart working person will not just get it done for you but look for the easiest, fastest and cheapest way(s) to get a given task accomplished.
And that explains why you see a smart working person as a superior officer to a hard working person in an organization.
That's more like the reality of the labour market, especially a capitalism oriented labour market.
You must be able and ready to think outside the box if you wanna get the best from your employers, clients or consumers.
What will give you a notch above your fellow competitors is how efficient and effective your input and task managing skills are.
It's either you're a problem solver or you're a cost reducer, those are the basic criteria that makes you a potential employee to any employer, client or customer.
So ask yourself that even with my academic qualification(s), what's that thing or things am good at/with that can serve as a value addition to where I desire to be employed to or recuited for?
If you can't conclude at a satisfactory answer, then you're yet to discover your path in life, though still ain't too late if you're ready to know what you're made for.
And remember that God's guidance in all your life endeavors is essential, so your relationship with God matters for a successful life.