Why Get Involved?
There is significant research that highlights the importance of getting involved OUTSIDE of the classroom while you are enrolled in college. Of course, there is no arguing with the importance of courses and learning from your classes. However, the role of co-curricular life in one's overall college experience is not to be overlooked. While employers and graduate programs are looking for college graduates who are academically motivated, those who truly stand out are those who are well-rounded and have held a leadership role in some aspect of campus life.
Whether it's holding a peer assistant position, being a member of an athletic team, joining a student organization or volunteering on/off campus, just by being involved, students can find a way to connect with others to enrich their college experience. It's also a great way to develop new contacts that can come in handy when it comes time to apply for life after college.
Here is a list of some of the skills you can develop by becoming involved:
- Learning to effectively balance your time
- Getting connected with others who have similar interests
- Expanding friendships beyond roommate/suite/floor/building
- Developing contacts with potential future career possibilities
- Building skills in a wide variety of areas (especially communication)
- Developing a new interest - expand your horizons and try something you might never have had the chance to do, or may find it difficult to do in the future!