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College on-campus activities are very important. One of the top reasons you should join an extracurricular: they look great on your resume!
Now that you’re in college, you’ve surely realized how different it is than high school. The classes require a higher level of thinking; your professors expect more of you. It’s a whole other world compared to high school.
One of the biggest differences between high school and college are the endless opportunities to explore your real-world interests.
We’re talking about on-campus activities.
On-campus activities ARE important.
Now, let’s get real; we know that, as a college student, you’re incredibly busy. So many outlines to create, so many parties to attend. We get it.
Don’t let that shy you away from setting time aside to engage in some on-campus activities. You’ll be glad you did, for a number of reasons.
Meet new people
You can’t have too many friends, right? One of the best parts of joining an on-campus group or activity is that you get to meet tons of new people. You’re bound to meet a few people who you can learn a thing or two from!
Discover new interests
College is the perfect time to explore your interests and get an idea of what you want to do post-college. Hands-on experience is the best way to do that! What you find might surprise you. Who knows – you could even discover a passion for a new career path!
Go ahead. Broaden your horizons.
Build new skills
There are countless new skills you can pick up from on-campus activities. And they’re skills you’ll use for the rest of your life.
Be prepared to start absorbing information and experiences like a sponge. After all, college is all about lifelong learning, right?
All these things add up to…
…a really great resume-builder! Extracurricular activities are important for many reasons, but they look especially great on a resume. They show employers that you have key skills and that you’re definitely employee material.
Of course, you want your resume to really highlight why you’re a good fit for a job. So, when it comes to including extracurricular activities, it helps if they are specifically relevant to the job you’re applying for.
For example, if you’re trying to get a job as a teacher, experience as a tutor will look great on your resume.
Sometimes it can be hard to make those connections, though. So how do you know if you should include or exclude an activity from your resume?
Here’s your answer…definitely include an activity on your resume if it shows:
Dedication
Even if your on-campus activity isn’t directly related to the job you’re applying for, it may be worth adding to your resume if you’ve been doing it for a long time. That type of dedication and commitment are just what employers are looking for.
Time spent abroad
Most employers can appreciate a potential employee who has spent time experiencing other cultures. It shows that you’re accepting and have a desire to meet new people. Both are very nice qualities to have!
Leadership
Any activity that shows you are able to manage a group is a huge plus that will look good to any employer. Maybe you’re treasurer of the marketing club, or captain of the soccer team? Being a star soccer player probably won’t help you in your quest to get hired, but being a leader sure will!
Skills in writing
Almost every job is going to require you to be able to effectively communicate via the written word. So, even if you’re applying to a job that won’t require you to be writing a lot, employers will value this skill.
Volunteer work
Any type of community service you’ve participated in – add it to your resume. It paints you as a shining member of the community who seeks out ways to make a change.
But, don’t go overboard.
While we definitely recommend adding your on-campus activities to your resume, don’t go overboard. Use your best judgment when deciding what to leave on your resume and what to take off. Include only the best and most relevant extracurricular activities. You don’t want to seem unfocused by adding too many.
And remember that what you include on your resume could (and should) change to fit the job you’re applying to.
Now get going and have fun!
Now it’s time to get out there and get going. Think about what type of career you’re interested in pursuing. Or, think about the subjects in school that excite you the most. Use what you know about yourself to pick out campus clubs and activities.
Most importantly…have fun!