Do clubs really matter?

<p>I'm just wondering how much does it matter to be involved (not a leadership position) in clubs when in undergrad. For example, I attend Baruch College, and although I'm an accounting major, I am considering joining their club called "Finance and Economics Society". I feel as though employers do not see this as anything beneficial to the applicant, but I could be wrong.</p>

<p>In terms of whether I personally will or will not gain from it is a different story. I understand that it provides me some possible networking opportunities and knowledge from upperclassmen that I may find useful, etc. However, all I'm asking is whether being a member of a club is beneficial to one applicant over another.</p>

<p>It really depends on your school and the clubs available to you. Clubs that are sponsored by prospective employers, for example, are extremely valuable. Cal Poly’s Accounting Club is a good example.</p>

<p>[Meetings</a> | Cal Poly Accounting Club](<a href=“http://polycpac.com/meetings/]Meetings”>http://polycpac.com/meetings/)</p>

<p>“…Over the course of the year, we hold 30 meetings, 26 of which have either an accounting firm or a corporation presenting. The meetings allow recruiters and other professionals to discuss opportunities available at their firm for students who are pursuing an internship or full time career. Additionally, firms present on topics such as interview tips, what makes a strong job candidate, technical topics, etc. The average turnout for these meetings is roughly 75 students. During peak recruiting time periods, our attendance is as high as 120 students.”</p>

<p>Hm…I definitely understand your point. I attend Baruch College in NYC, and often enough, clubs will bring in speakers. However, these events seem to be more informatory and an attempt at networking more than what you mentioned about opportunities with that speaker’s firm. I don’t think it could hurt joining a club, but there is also a minimum requirement of attending several of their events. I guess the choice is really up to me then, but any other input is appreciated. For example, would you have landed your internship/job if you hadn’t joined a club?</p>

<p>If you put on your resume “member Finance and Economics Society” and send copies to various companies that recruit at your college I’d guess that most or all of them could care less. On the other hand, if you have a leadership role in the same club and the club actually does something then recruiters would take notice.</p>

<p>i wonder this myself, i’m starting out as an accounting major and will be joining a few clubs. i really don’t have other relatable interning experience yet, but i hope it’ll help in process of finding an internship. i know gpa is very important for that as well </p>

<p>i’d say just focus on doing your best and getting the highest grades possible, it helps you stand out from your peers. and might help you land an interview for an internship/job when you go looking. a lot of them bar out students with a low gpa or what they atleast consider low.</p>