How important are extraccuricular activities?

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>I really am starting to think that extracurricular activities are pointless when it comes to making friends and/or getting jobs. I have tried two [multicultural] organizations, and I even went to LA over Christmas with one of the clubs, and I have yet to make any meaningful friendships. I've also been trying to join the school newspaper, but I've had to aggressively seek them out. They claim to have such a big shortage of reporters, but they don't seem to be proactively looking/recruiting any. What gives? And I'm a journalism major too, so that ****es me off even more.</p>

<p>Also, I am currently working as a student worker for dining services part-time (if that means anything). I've made more acquaintances from my job, though we haven't really hung out outside of work. But still. I don't think 10 hrs/week is enough to say I have a "social" life. </p>

<p>Seriously, why is it so important to do a billion clubs for employers? How important is it to be the president of twelve billion clubs? And why is it that for some students, joining clubs doesn't really help the social life? I'm not naturally an outgoing person, but I've been trying my best to make myself as outgoing and social as possible to attract people. </p>

<p>Are clubs really a "legit" way to find friends, or are the multi-cultural BS clubs just crappy? Should I, as well as the thousands of other kids in my similar situation, "give up" and focus on our studies?</p>

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<p>Clubs are a legit way to make friends if the people in your club share the same interests as you (which I would assume since you’re all in the same club). If not, perhaps you have personal social issues you must address. Being a president of a club shows to employers that you have experienced a leadership position. That you have the voice and confidence to stand up and guide others. Remember that focusing on your studies doesn’t guarantee success. You have to ace that job interview to claim that position you desire. Without decent/excellent social skills, that interview might suck and you will have difficulty interacting with colleagues. There are plenty of kids who get 4.0’s and 2400 SAT scores who apply to top schools. What separates the ones who gain admission and the ones who don’t? Same thing with jobs. </p>

<p>Scenario:
Employer- Hi, what makes you think you have what it takes to work for corporation x?
Applicant- I have a 4.0 from Harvard.
Employer- Yea? Big deal, so does the kid next to you.
Applicant- I also led my programming team to a national competition and we won 2nd place.
Employer- Oh so you have good organizational and leader skills too. Ok you’re in.
Applicant- <em>Happy face</em></p>