Joining student organizations sets you up for success beyond your four years at Ohio University. By getting involved in organizations that correlate to and complement your major, you will gain expertise and experience not taught in a major-based course.
OU provides many tools for assisting students who want to be involved in organizations on campus, one of them being “Bobcat Connect,” a directory containing information for all student organizations on OU's campuses.
Associate Director of Student Activities Josh Gruenke said OU typically has close to 600 organizations. Within “Bobcat Connect,” the search box can filter key terms to better assist in finding an organization for you. For example, typing major-based key terms such as “biology,” “business” or “journalism” into the search box easily narrows down the student organizations that correlate to your key term.
If you find a student organization you are interested in through “Bobcat Connect,” click on your preferred organization link, and a description detailing the organization’s activities and objectives will appear. That helps create a better understanding of the organization’s mission for students. It also shows the organization’s contact information to help you take the next steps to getting involved.
Joining student organizations that assist your major truly sets you up for success during your time at OU. Not only are you meeting other students who also have the same academic interests as you, but you are also forming relationships with other Bobcats you can carry with you after graduation.
Engaging in student organizations also provides you with experience to be shared with future employers for internships or a career post-graduation. Sharing leadership and organizational skills you acquired from your time in an organization demonstrates a deep dedication to your study, and employers love that.
Another great aspect of joining a student organization that complements your major is the motivation to learn new skills you never thought you would. Guiding a group of members in your organization for a fundraiser, managing the social media profiles or even electing a spot on the executive board are all thrilling skills you can achieve.
Something OU student organizations pride themselves on is the vast network of alumni. In joining organizations, you align yourself with alumni in a similar career field. Bobcats help Bobcats and alumni are everywhere, it’s all about reaching out to connect with them.
By joining student organizations that contribute to your major, you are setting yourself up for success during your years at OU. You’ll gain experience and enhance your skill set, which ultimately prepares you for internships or a future career. You’ll gain relationships with other students and network with Bobcat alumni. OU provides tools and resources for students, it’s all about when to begin.
Daphne Graeter is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Daphne know by emailing her at dg422421@ohio.edu.
