<p>I'm just curious. Would being apart of an organization or club in college boast your chances for certain job opportunities? I know there are some organizations that are pre-professional for certain occupations, but what about all the others?</p>
<p>Being in a club is probably the easiest way to show what you’re interested in and that you can be dedicated something. The act of “being” in a club does nothing though.</p>
<p>When you are part of a club it opens you up to a whole bunch of opportunities that are important. Pre-med clubs help students learn more about the profession and may have programs that help students find shadowing positions, volunteering, etc. At my school, there are tons of religious and cultural clubs. It’s a great way to form connections with other people on campus. Also, if you hold some time of leadership position that is great experience. For example, the treasurer might be in charge of allocating funds of the club. Someone I know said they had to allocation a $5,000 event and that is really impressive to employers.</p>
<p>That being said, it’s better to be very involved in one or two clubs than just part of several. Clubs are not just something to put on your resume, but to pursue something you’re interested in. It’s not like it’s required or anything, but it does help to be involved in your school and makes it easier to find your niche.</p>
<p>I mean, if you’re involved with things you’re passionate about, they’ll probably be relevant to your resume (unless you’re going to pick a career solely for the money).</p>
<p>I’m a journalism/French major and a women’s studies minor, and almost all of my extracurriculars are related to those fields (because I love them!). I hope to one day edit a publication focused on women’s issues or work with a nonprofit related to sexual health or reproductive rights.</p>
<p>Thus, I’m the co-chair of both the Women’s Affairs committee of student government and a campus outreach organization for Planned Parenthood, the undergraduate representative to the University Women’s Center’s advisory board, and I work with a student-run feminist publication. </p>
<p>I also work as a copy editor for another student magazine, am on the colorguard (I spin a flag at the football games!) and perform with a low-key dance collective. I’m also in the French Honor Society.</p>
<p>Almost all the things I do are related to my studies, which makes them enjoyable as well as nice-looking on a resume. It doesn’t feel like work because I’m passionate. I don’t know where you’re heading, but I love that at a big school like mine, everyone can find a perfect niche.</p>
<p>Both of your inputs were great pieces of advice! </p>
<p>During my time throughout high school, I was very involved in FBLA and BETA. I know that the colleges I applied to looked at my ECs. I was just needing to know if being involved in an organization or two could be deciding factor for when I start applying for job positions.</p>
<p>being there won’t help you get a job… but if you have responsibilities (leadership positions) and you can explain in your interviews how this position helped you and gave you relevant skills that the employer wants… that will help you get a job.</p>
<p>Also, they are the best way to meet people with common interests. And they are good to network. Remember networking is not just meeting 45 years olds who are company VPs… networking is making friends. Don’t make friends to try to get a career, but as an example, say you are in the business frat… when members of your fraternity get jobs, they become resources for you, and you have networked just by doing something that you enjoy.</p>
<p>It’s good to be in clubs or do any campus activities for that matter. I’m an active member of a Japanese cultural club, the computer science honor society, ACM chapter (the EWB chapter next year, too), college’s IT advisory committee, a peer advisor, work as a volunteer at the outreach center, tutor, do research with professors, play some sports when time allows, and am on the dev team for new library software. It’s really helpful and I’ve met many people this way. Looks great on resume too, employers will often ask about my large projects/research I have listed there.</p>