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Is extracurricular activity important in college?
#college #college-advice
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Doc’s Answer
First of all Shuk, extracurricular activities can introduce you to a whole new world of interests and hobbies. Most universities offer a decent amount of student clubs and organizations, and even if you've never actively participated in any of the hobbies they focus on, at least one of them is bound to grab your attention. You never know, you might find your new favorite pastime! By discovering new interests and expanding your horizons, you may find yourself being a happier and more motivated college student. And if you aren't totally sure on what career field you want to enter, learning new things about yourself may help in that department also. College life is not all about hitting the books, and an easy way to create meaningful and healthy life events during this time period is through participation in extracurricular programs. College extracurricular activities help students learn new skills and make valuable career contacts which greatly enhance the college experience both personally and professionally.
Just like extracurricular activities can introduce you to new interests, they also allow you to participate and strengthen your skills in things you already care about. For example, maybe you've always enjoyed helping people in need but never really knew where or how to do that. Your college may offer special organizations that exist for that very reason–helping others. Or, perhaps you're really interested in science or another core academic subject. Clubs and organizations that focus on specific subjects can teach you a lot and help you expand your skills without the added worry of being graded. Another great reason to become involved in extracurricular activities while in college is to gain experience and knowledge that can help you in your future. Depending on your interests and future career plans and goals, your university may offer an extracurricular that gives you hands-on practice to boost your skills and, ultimately, strengthen your resume or job application when the time comes. In fact, academic major plays the largest role when employers decide who to hire, but extracurricular activities are also an important factor they take into consideration.
Hope this helpful Shuk
Just like extracurricular activities can introduce you to new interests, they also allow you to participate and strengthen your skills in things you already care about. For example, maybe you've always enjoyed helping people in need but never really knew where or how to do that. Your college may offer special organizations that exist for that very reason–helping others. Or, perhaps you're really interested in science or another core academic subject. Clubs and organizations that focus on specific subjects can teach you a lot and help you expand your skills without the added worry of being graded. Another great reason to become involved in extracurricular activities while in college is to gain experience and knowledge that can help you in your future. Depending on your interests and future career plans and goals, your university may offer an extracurricular that gives you hands-on practice to boost your skills and, ultimately, strengthen your resume or job application when the time comes. In fact, academic major plays the largest role when employers decide who to hire, but extracurricular activities are also an important factor they take into consideration.
Hope this helpful Shuk
Thank You Joseph. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are we doing for others.
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Billi’s Answer
Hi Shuk! I think that extracurricular activities in college can be very beneficial, especially if they align with your major. For example, I was a business Finance major in college and was involved in a business fraternity and an investing club to differentiate myself from other students and to network and find internships/jobs in the Finance field. I also believe that you get what you put into these extracurriculars. If you decide to get more involved and partake in a leadership role then you will gain some very useful skills that correlate to the real world. You can also put any leadership roles held on your resume which will differentiate you from other candidates in an interview process. Good luck!
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Dexter’s Answer
Hi Shuk,
I think I'm the only one that went to college but didn't do much extracurricular activities! I sure had time to engage in them in my first two years, but I struggled with my mental health and grades. In the last two years, I really didn't have time for any extracurricular activities, the courses I took were very demanding of my time.
To directly answer your question, I think it depends on what you want out of college. I do think extracurricular activities are good to build relationships and friends, but just don't forget that you're paying to earn a degree, and that's the most important thing. Personally, I think there is much more free time to pursue extracurricular activities after college, but then again, it's also harder to find others to do them with (though not impossible).
I think just go with what you're comfortable with and push yourself a bit beyond what you think you're comfortable with a few times. See how you respond, and see what it's like. If it's for you, then great! You probably found a new hobby and new friends. If it's not for you, no worries and try again after a bit of comfort time for yourself.
Anyways, I wish you the best.
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Dexter
I think I'm the only one that went to college but didn't do much extracurricular activities! I sure had time to engage in them in my first two years, but I struggled with my mental health and grades. In the last two years, I really didn't have time for any extracurricular activities, the courses I took were very demanding of my time.
To directly answer your question, I think it depends on what you want out of college. I do think extracurricular activities are good to build relationships and friends, but just don't forget that you're paying to earn a degree, and that's the most important thing. Personally, I think there is much more free time to pursue extracurricular activities after college, but then again, it's also harder to find others to do them with (though not impossible).
I think just go with what you're comfortable with and push yourself a bit beyond what you think you're comfortable with a few times. See how you respond, and see what it's like. If it's for you, then great! You probably found a new hobby and new friends. If it's not for you, no worries and try again after a bit of comfort time for yourself.
Anyways, I wish you the best.
--
Dexter
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Rebecca’s Answer
One of the amazing memory I had in my college days is on my college days. I have joined several different societies and clubs in the first year. These societies / clubs are related to my personal hobbies / interest subjects. I joined a lot of activities / events hosted by these societies / clubs. I really enjoyed much and it is also an good opportunities of establish my personal network.
In 2nd year, I joined the committee of one of the societies. I had opportunities to organize many activities / functions / events. This is a valuable experience to me and it is helpful in my work after graduation.
From my experience, participating in extra curricular activities in college is not must but you would not able to find similar experience after you graduation. You can try to join some activities that you have interest on or relevant to your major. Given it is voluntary basis, you can quit or change to another one from time to time. Why don't you give it a trial? Nothing to lose.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
In 2nd year, I joined the committee of one of the societies. I had opportunities to organize many activities / functions / events. This is a valuable experience to me and it is helpful in my work after graduation.
From my experience, participating in extra curricular activities in college is not must but you would not able to find similar experience after you graduation. You can try to join some activities that you have interest on or relevant to your major. Given it is voluntary basis, you can quit or change to another one from time to time. Why don't you give it a trial? Nothing to lose.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Madi’s Answer
Extracurriculars are a very important part of college. Not only do they assist you in building skills and connections for jobs after college, they make college very enjoyable. Extracurriculars are one of the best ways to meet new people and build relationships through shared interests & quality time. I suggest joining at least one extracurricular that is related to your major and developing your professional skills as well as one extracurricular for your personal enjoyment. For example, I joined an accounting organization for my professional skills and I joined a fashion organization as a hobby. I've made lifelong friends and connections from both of these organizations. In fact, the professional organization I joined prepared me to interview for the company that I work with now.
I strongly encourage you to take advantage of any extracurricular activities that your college offers.
I strongly encourage you to take advantage of any extracurricular activities that your college offers.
Jared Haught
Emergecy Medical technician & Transportation assosicate at Amazon
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Jared’s Answer
Yes! Anything you can do to show dedication to your craft and interest in your field of study will look great on your resume. Extra-curricular activities that pertain directly to your career interest are even better! Ones that are directly related aren't invaluable either, they show you want to do more than what interests you the most; that you can step outside your comfort zone and excel in other areas.
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Eliza’s Answer
Extracurriculars are a crucial part of college, not only to put on your resume but also they are just a good way to put yourself out there. Many of my friends have been made through extracurriculars and they also offer unique experiences and force you to have fun outside of school.
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Andrew’s Answer
Definitely! While your education is essential, joining clubs and organizations lets you meet lots of new people with similar interests and participate in fun activities and events. Also, many professional clubs could help you gain an edge in the job market or provide more insight into the field. I always found it helpful to find organizations that you find interesting, as going to a club out of necessity or reluctance defeats the purpose as to why you're there in the first place.
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Joseph’s Answer
It's entirely *possible* to complete your college/university studies without engaging in extracurricular activities, but I wouldn't recommend it.
There's a few reasons for the importance of extracurriculars:
Employers, especially for your first couple of "real" jobs, often tend to look at what else you have on your CV/resume and what you got up to while you were studying. If there's nothing there, you risk appearing boring or worse (lazy) to a potential employer, so some would be put off if you don't show you did anything outside of study.
One thing I haven't yet seen mentioned is that many college and university extracurricular groups are run by a committee of members, and if you're committed to a particular group, it can be great to apply to be part of the committee and help to run the group. That sort of thing is great on your CV and shows you can take responsibility in a career.
As others have pointed out, extracurricular activities are also just good life experience, and a great way to network and meet like-minded new people. Even if not for CV development, it's worth taking part just for the friends you make and fun you have.
However, you should balance the importance of extracurricular activities against the importance of your studies, and not take on too much. You shouldn't feel forced into any particular extracurricular activity, and if you already have a busy life for other reasons, it's generally not worth adversely impacting your studies just for extracurricular activities.
There's a few reasons for the importance of extracurriculars:
Employers, especially for your first couple of "real" jobs, often tend to look at what else you have on your CV/resume and what you got up to while you were studying. If there's nothing there, you risk appearing boring or worse (lazy) to a potential employer, so some would be put off if you don't show you did anything outside of study.
One thing I haven't yet seen mentioned is that many college and university extracurricular groups are run by a committee of members, and if you're committed to a particular group, it can be great to apply to be part of the committee and help to run the group. That sort of thing is great on your CV and shows you can take responsibility in a career.
As others have pointed out, extracurricular activities are also just good life experience, and a great way to network and meet like-minded new people. Even if not for CV development, it's worth taking part just for the friends you make and fun you have.
However, you should balance the importance of extracurricular activities against the importance of your studies, and not take on too much. You shouldn't feel forced into any particular extracurricular activity, and if you already have a busy life for other reasons, it's generally not worth adversely impacting your studies just for extracurricular activities.
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Ojal’s Answer
Hey! There are several benefits of doing extracurricular activities including exploring your interest and hobbies. I have met several amazing people through clubs and it's a way to get to know more about the students going to your school. I would also say that having academic extracurricular activities makes you surrounded by motivated students who are studying the same major. This can help potential when interviewing and applying to jobs. This can also help when you are taking Upper-division classes and want to study together.
Also having a leadership role in a club helps build several skills like public speaking, mentoring, time management, and communication. Additionally being involved in a club can help you learn about your field of interest and you can get hands-on experience. Finally, being a part of a club is something you can add to your resume which can set up apart from other candidates when applying for jobs. Hopefully, these reasons convince you to join clubs and make the most of your time at college!
Also having a leadership role in a club helps build several skills like public speaking, mentoring, time management, and communication. Additionally being involved in a club can help you learn about your field of interest and you can get hands-on experience. Finally, being a part of a club is something you can add to your resume which can set up apart from other candidates when applying for jobs. Hopefully, these reasons convince you to join clubs and make the most of your time at college!
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Dana’s Answer
It's important in that you are able to put that on your resume and also meet new people! Be involved in things you are interested in :)
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M’s Answer
Hi Shuk! Yes I would argue that it is definitely important. Not only will it expose you to different activities and organizations, but it will broaden your social network. Additionally, it will allow you to broaden your skill set and perhaps incorporate it into your resume or different interviews. In my opinion, there are only benefits to joining extracurricular activities and I would highly recommend! Best of luck to you!
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Nicholas’s Answer
Extracurricular activities in college are certainly important. I decided to attend Indiana University for my undergraduate education without
knowing anyone that attended prior. This can pose a comfort barrier during the first few weeks, months, and year even for extraverted students. Certain escapes such as playing sports, playing instruments, or building computer systems can all be converted into extracurricular activities. The idea of doing an extracurricular that you are comfortable with allows individuals to loosen up. Also - you are surrounding yourself around others that have similar interests as you.
This is not a a requirement, but joining an extracurricular activity can help college students ease into a new environment.
knowing anyone that attended prior. This can pose a comfort barrier during the first few weeks, months, and year even for extraverted students. Certain escapes such as playing sports, playing instruments, or building computer systems can all be converted into extracurricular activities. The idea of doing an extracurricular that you are comfortable with allows individuals to loosen up. Also - you are surrounding yourself around others that have similar interests as you.
This is not a a requirement, but joining an extracurricular activity can help college students ease into a new environment.
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Sheila’s Answer
Hi Shuk:
When I was in college a long time ago, I participated in extracurricular activities that had nothing to do with my major. During that time, participating in extracurricular activities allowed me to meet new people and get involved with college life. There's no right or wrong answer to your question. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
When I was in college a long time ago, I participated in extracurricular activities that had nothing to do with my major. During that time, participating in extracurricular activities allowed me to meet new people and get involved with college life. There's no right or wrong answer to your question. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
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Nathan’s Answer
It all depends on what major you are going into. If your wondering if playing sports or being in band is beneficial to being a nurse, no it is not. If you were going into musical arts then band would be considered important.
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Brianna’s Answer
I would say the extracurricular activities are definitely a plus on your resume, to show that you also apply what you learn in the real world. I think extracurriculars are easier to find in college than highschool, because there is such an abundant amount of interest, and you can also find people who share the same interests as you!
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Kylyn’s Answer
Extracurricular activities are a great way to meet people with similar interests. You have to take into consideration the time commitment that will be expected when joining. If it interferes with school it may not be worth it. I was in a business fraternity, and I feel you could choose your level of involvement. I would say that finding an organization that is within your study would be a great way to network and build a resume!
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