The college experience is not limited to gaining knowledge in a specific career. But also to expand your horizons and gain life-long friends. To be fair this might not be the case for introverts, nonetheless, college provides the opportunity to write your resume.
Depending on the size of the university, you may have a selection ranging from a few to hundreds of clubs. We’re here to help narrow down your choices to clubs and extracurriculars that are the most impressive on your resume. This list is limited but it does not disqualify other clubs.
1. Student Government
Roles within the student government are not easy to get. The entire student body must elect certain roles, like class president or senators. Each role has limited terms, most last for a semester or a year.
Participating in the student government involves handling campus events and budgets. Leadership skills, the ability to collaborate, organize, and handle responsibilities are crucial for these roles. Elections are not easy, but learning how to promote yourself is useful for many careers.
A role within the student government can be similar to a job, so apply for the one that suits you best. Actuarial science or finance majors might like being treasurer. Communications majors should seek out becoming secretary, which records the minutes and handles communications.
2. Greek Life
The amount of involvement for sororities and fraternities can vary greatly. Executive positions carry more responsibility and time commitment than just simply joining as a sorority sister or frat brother.
Greek life is a good way to meet new people and make connections, especially if you share a common interest or background. Oftentimes the networking opportunities you make in your Greek organization can benefit you in the future. Coworkers or employers might be from the same chapter or know a common alum.
However, a sorority/fraternity will have to accept you first. Usually the initiation process involves attending various events geared towards information about the chapter, their philanthropy, and overall the type of environment they have. The initiation process is time-consuming and complex. Freshmen who’ve loaded up on classes should be wary of how much time they can spend on their Greek organization.
3. Newspaper
Some say that journalism is a dying industry, but each college has a newspaper that is normally student-run. Involvement with the campus newspaper doesn’t always translate to becoming an editor or a staff writer. Newspaper clubs accept stories or articles written by students who want to practice their writing skills.
Depending on the size of the newspaper, students may also have the option of writing for different sections. The biggest ones are typically the news and sports sections. Students who want to have their voices heard on politics or other topics should write for the opinion section.
Campus newspapers don’t just dabble in articles, they also need photographers and artists for their comics. If you are looking for ways to add to your art portfolio, photographing campus events is a great way to get your work published. Students who are pursuing graphic design or editing could join the production team for their newspaper. Production teams consist of copy editors, page designers, managers, and tight deadlines.
4. Radio
Similar to newspapers, college radio—also known as university radio or student radio—is run by students. Radio stations teach students how to use the equipment, maintain listeners, and become better at broadcasting.
Music enthusiasts may find themselves at home with college radio. Some radio stations offer opportunities for students to become DJs, create podcasts, or promote indie artists and bands. The outlet provides many ways to be creative, and sometimes it’s not just limited to the radio waves. Some college radio stations have YouTube channels or other platforms to house their videos.
5. Athletics
Not every student-athlete will be in Division 1, instead many turn to intramural sports. They’re more relaxed and focus on having fun rather than winning and beating the opponent. Students usually run intramural sports, so they’re mostly casual and flexible. Some intramural sports available are dodgeball, flag football, pickleball, archery, and even Quidditch.
The next level of college athletics are club sports, which require tryouts to join. As a step up from intramurals, club sports have coaches and school-sponsored. Many club sports involve teams like soccer or lacrosse.
Club sports are not as competitive or serious as collegiate sports. The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sanctions these sports and they compete against other colleges.
Even if you are not in a collegiate sport, athletic experience showcases your ability to play with others. Many sports require collaboration or the capacity to improve. Sports are a great way for job applicants to express themselves to hiring managers and share stories.
6. Arts/Music
Going to college might be an opportunity to step away from your previous role as a theater kid in high school. But for others, it follows them to their grave. Most universities have a theater arts program or school of music.
Your major does not necessarily have to align with the clubs you join. Many STEM majors join art clubs in some aspects. Participating in an arts-centered club can balance your resume and show that your interests outside academia. Group art projects display your leadership skills and your ability to collaborate with others.
Arts-based clubs are not limited to traditional painting or music. Other outlets include dance, poetry, or photography. Generally, arts or music clubs present you as a creative person, who is able to combine passion and vision.
7. Cultural Clubs
Students who want to hangout with their friends and invite others simultaneously might create their own clubs. Those who come from the same culture or background can create a club specifically for that. Cultural clubs celebrate different cultures and people.
Members do not have to come from that culture. Instead they should be respectful and have an appreciation for it.
Meetings for these types of clubs vary, sometimes they are simply ways to socialize or contain activities. To pay for the club fees and activities, the clubs host fundraisers to raise money. Each club designs fundraisers centered around the culture, some sell Boba tea or host foreign movie nights. Projects like this allow students to showcase their creativity and organization skills.
When putting cultural clubs on your resume, mention any roles you’ve had or projects you’ve helped complete. This helps prove that you were an active member and didn’t just sign up and never appear.
8. Volunteering
Sometimes, colleges offer clubs geared towards volunteer work or community service. Most operate in the local community, working in the same town as the college or neighboring areas. University-sanctioned programs are a great way to determine what the community wants or needs.
Students should volunteer in topics they are passionate about. Those with a green thumb can volunteer at a local farm or community garden. Some volunteer groups operate locally or nationwide.
Many universities have a club for the American Red Cross, who hosts regular blood drives. Humanitarian organizations tend to have strong connections with universities. Students might provide labor, funds, or spread awareness for their cause.
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