If you glance around any hall on campus, you’ll find dozens of brightly colored flyers and posters plastered on every bulletin board and wall. There are slogans, illustrations, photos and blurbs expertly arranged to tantalize the viewer and encourage engagement in the many clubs, events and organizations enjoyed by students.
Although some students may choose to focus on their studies and avoid extracurriculars, taking advantage of the opportunities provided by students and staff can pave the way to success by working with peers to develop vital interpersonal and collaborative skills in a hands-on environment, make a difference in the community and build connections that could last well past graduation.
When considering the benefit of participating in a club, one fundamental feature is the opportunity to find your community. Participating in club activities can give students skills to navigate various social situations, grant exposure to new experiences, connect with peers from all walks of life and build rapport among peers in a structured environment.
Clubs allow people to meet and connect with people from different backgrounds, fostering an environment of inclusion and participation for students working toward a common goal.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who participate in extra curriculars effectively build character, show higher levels of academic achievement and better outcomes for social development.
Refining your social skills by simply joining a club can go far toward making new friends on campus, but it can also aid in developing communication skills required in any potential career such as the process of interviewing for a job or navigating tough situations like asking for better compensation in the workplace. In fact, clubs not only build interpersonal skills but also grant the opportunity to bolster one’s resume, which can help make one stand out among candidates and colleagues.
Most clubs have opportunities for leadership positions that not only look great on a resume or a scholarship application but also help build leadership skills. Leadership skills can be an indispensable resource in the many career paths students might take after their time pursuing higher education. By taking on a leadership role, students may even find themselves eligible for unique scholarship opportunities.
Whether it’s leading club meetings, updating club handbooks and bylaws or helping with club events, leadership and teamwork allow club members to hone their skills and open up to new experiences. Although there are benefits of taking on a leadership position, participating in an extracurricular organization at any level will still reflect positively on the participants in the real world. By showcasing hobbies and interests, especially if they’re relevant to the degree program or career path being sought, time spent on campus and in the community by participating in club activities will become a valuable resource for years to come.
In many ways, both socially and professionally, upward mobility is about who one knows just as much as it’s about how hard one works. Club participation can lead to networking opportunities for students both on campus and in the community, providing access to growing one’s social and professional circle and granting the chance to make a good impression with potential employers and organizations beyond those available to Kirkwood students. For example, joining the Cyber Defense club can aid in building relationships with educators, future colleagues and industry professionals.
Building connections and developing a well-rounded skill set is especially important when entering a competitive job market. Making a connection with a professional in an industry relevant to a club or club activities can allow one to gain support, benefit from mentorship and provide influence in their field, often opening many doors to new graduates.
Skills and connections developed in club settings can be the difference between securing an interview with a future employer considering various candidates or reviewing resumes. Having a leg up on the competition is important in an oversaturated job market, where employers give extra credence to resumes that show time spent participating in internships, work studies, and extracurriculars that show a varied skill set.
Employers and educators value work ethic, social skills and project management, all of which can be developed and expanded upon through club participation. Participating in extracurriculars while in college can be an affordable and accessible way to display a varied skill set to a future employer.
But clubs don’t only serve the purpose of networking and professional development. Clubs are a fun way to get involved, get out of the house, enjoy a break from studying and working and prevent falling victim to the temptation of endless doomscrolling and bedrotting.
Kirkwood has seemingly countless clubs and organizations available to connect with other students and find fun new ways to enjoy mutual interests. From agriculture to art, sports to STEM, mental health support to religion, no matter what you’re passionate about, there’s something on campus for everyone.
If you’re looking to get involved, a comprehensive list of clubs and organizations are available by visiting kirkwood.edu.
Categories: Opinion, Staff Editorials
