While academic achievement helps a student take-off in an internship or job, involvement in campus activities is also an important component in landing that position.
Outside class involvement, especially leadership positions, can boost a graduate's resume and teach career-building skills. Some students, however, can become overwhelmed with the variety of organizations on campus.
The Athens campus lies amidst a group of economically depressed counties that provide immense opportunities to volunteer, said Marty Tuck, Mortar Board National Honor Society adviser, adding that the university also offers enough clubs and organizations to fill any student's schedule.
Regardless of career path, any type of student involvement will develop transferable skills in leadership, human-relations, communication and teamwork that are necessary for success, said Career Services Director Tom Korvas.
It shows an employer that you do more than what you have to do to get the job done
Korvas said.
Students tend to join organizations as an extension of their interests and hobbies established before college. Clubs provide an instant connection with peers, said Nick Bowers, a sophomore studying psychology and a member of OU College Conservatives, OU College Republicans and the Marching 110.
Without knowing anyone you already have something in common and have already made connections Bowers said.
Students begin building their credentials the first day of their freshman year, with their classes in coursework, extra-curricular activities, work experience, internships and volunteer work, Korvas said.
What you're trying to do now is develop a record of success
he said. The best indicator of a successful future is a successful past.
Students should strive to take on leadership positions, Korvas said.
Additionally, the number of organizations a student is affiliated with doesn't make much of a difference to an employer. Students are cautioned not to spread themselves to thin because it is a disservice to them as well as the organization to join six or seven groups just to list them on a resume, Tuck said.
The best place to start when looking to get involved in school activities is to look for organizations related to the academic major, and excelling within those activities.
Getting the job is your success within your discipline
Tuck said.
While students confident in their career directions may jump in to related organizations, students who haven't yet decided on a major have resources available to them.
Career Services, located on the fifth floor of Baker University Center, provides assistance for freshmen and sophomores to find their niche.
Additionally, Career Services provides a comprehensive career development center for all students including counseling, advising, career fairs, job search and mock interviews, Korvas said. In the 2007-08 academic year, 1,704 students scheduled appointments with the Career Services Center, and 4,544 interviews resulted from career fairs and the on-campus interview program, Korvas said.
The benefits of club involvement reach far beyond the resume for some students.
Being involved helped me make friends and keep out of trouble G? for the most part
said Andy Black, a senior studying Integrated Language Arts and a member of the Marching 110 and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. cp307907@ohiou.edu
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