<p>Getting a job is probably the most common EC activity out there, but my financial aid just kicked in with 3/4 of it going to savings so I really don't need the money. For the sake of having an EC, I would rather do something more meaningful like starting a club in an area of interest, volunteering frequently, possibly tutoring in the future (which in itself is a job albeit one on campus), and doing my own thing with my major (my major is CS so that means more time for programming), and I feel like getting a job would be both unnecessary and be a big opportunity cost to these other things I want to do. </p>
<p>In my experience, gainful employment has been more of a tipping point than any other EC. Being able to hold a job in an area that you are interested in shows not only your interest in the subject, but also a willingness to put in hard work.</p>
<p>Almost anyone can start or lead a club at school, but a job takes a lot more finesse.</p>
<p>I guess it really depends on the job. For instance, being a team member at McDonalds or Gap is perhaps an average extracurricular. Nothing really exciting, don’t you think? Unless you happen to have a higher position, such as assistant manager, ect.</p>
<p>I think it’s more interesting if you work at your campus, such as a tutor or in administration as a student assistant. Not only is it an interesting extracurricular but it’s really convienant to work around your classes and all. </p>
<p>I have to disagree with godot1. Not everyone CAN lead or create a club at school. Well, depends on the club. For instance, Model United Nations or Debate Team shows a lot of leadership potential. However, clubs like Anime Club or Hip Hop Club probably don’t! If you want to start a club, be wise that it should have an academic focus more than a hobby interest.</p>
<p>IMO, having even an entry level work experience now can give you basic skills and help build your resume for real world experience. Even entry level jobs can give you universal skills that are needed in every field. </p>
<p>This is going off the assumption that you’ve never had a job before. </p>
<p>I would only ever choose a club or something over a job if it’s a really significant one. But it is very possible, though maybe a little hard for some, to balance both. Many people on my campus including me have part time jobs and do clubs/activities and volunteering.</p>
<p>Some people on this site are crazy. If you need or want money, get a job. If you want to join or start a club, go ahead and do so. It doesn’t matter if it’s a debate club or an anime club. It doesn’t matter if you cook fries at BK or if you’re the manager. Neither is “exciting”. LOL! How exactly can a school gauge EC’s on a scale? They can’t! Which is why your GPA and course completion is what matters. </p>
<p>@ocnative, Work isn’t about what’s “exciting”, it’s showing dedication and responsibility. I work at my campus but I must say that’s quite offensive what you’re saying about those who work at places such as Mickey D’s. And yes, pretty much ANYONE can start just about ANY kind of club. Also, I see you’re pre-law. You better get in the mindset that scores are the only thing that matter. I can assure you that no LS is going to care if you did research and/or tutored at a UC/JC. They will, however, gladly take someone with a 3.9 and a 175 LSAT. Also, learning how to spell will go a long way. </p>
<p>My advice would be to get good grades. Get a job if you want some extra cash. If not, go hang out with your friends or something.</p>
<p>Depends on the major really. For example, Haas favors internships/employment relating to Business or Economics(or leadership positions). EECS students at Berkeley usually have some strong work experience relating to CS/Engineering prior to transferring. It’s not absolutely necessary but for certain fields it can help. </p>
<p>You can always do things like Google Summer of Code or work on open source projects. Those are EC’s and may help. I’ve talked to some CS students who work on CS projects and keep an active blog with intense detail on the projects. They leverage that as experience on their resumes and applications.</p>
<p>@ocnative: You are right about the leading a club, I did make a bit of a broad stroke. However, from what I have discussed with various college admissions and other students, getting employment (especially in your area) has more pull than being a leader or member of clubs.</p>
<p>Of course, it is only a part of the whole application, but it can be a deciding factor. I am banking on my employment as a tutor for Accounting and Econ at my school can get me into my college of choice.</p>