What's the best way to stand out in a college with a lot of students?

To stand out amongst your equals, you must be creative enough to find a niche where you are the head of activities. Colleges are looking for opportunity to develop innovative programs to add variety to what is already there. When my daughter was a student at Vanderbilt University, during the international week, an African dance group was invited to perform. After the performance, my daughter felt that the school should have their own African dance group made up of students who are willing to do some shaking and dancing for fun. She petitioned the school with that idea and they ask her to lead the way in establishing it which she did and earned a name for herself. That dance group is still in place today.

In short- speak up and get involved!

Potential employers will want to see that you got involved beyond academics, and depending on the industry/field you want to pursue, they'll want to see that you've demonstrated a dedication to learning about and getting experience in it during college. Certain career paths will require you to get more experience in jobs/internships during college than others, so if you have an idea of what industry you want to be in and what field you want to pursue you should start to think about jobs you can get while in school that cater to that career path! In addition...

• Take on as many leadership roles as you can- take the lead on group projects, join the leadership group/club/committee (most have them!) and/or attend leadership meet-ups/workshops, run for a position in your sorority, etc. etc.


• (just as Leslie said) Network early and often! Meet with your professors 1:1, visit your career center and introduce yourself to the staff, get to know staff/dept heads-- these are the people who will not only give you great recommendations when you need them, but they'll make introductions and give you suggestions about where to work and how best to apply.


• Start something- a club, a movement, an interest group, etc. Speak up and get involved with the things/topics you're passionate about! Employers want to see that you show initiative, that you're ambitious and take action on that personal drive.

Hi Richelle,

I went to a very large university, and, until recently, I also worked at one. It's challenge to stand out, but it's definitely possible. The best way to stand out is to be a great student.

One of the most important things you want to do is to get to know some professors, as well as any helpful staff members (for example, advisors), because those are people who will make you aware of special opportunities to do research, get internships, etc. To get to know profs, you need to occasionally take a smaller class, raise your hand to answer questions or participate in class discussions, and go to the professor's office hours. To talk with an advisor, make an appointment, or go to any of the resource or cultural centers on your campus. Also join a student organization - a social organization is cool, but also check out some student groups that are focused more on career or professional interests. And try everything that interests you! Don't be shy!

Good luck!