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Student life is very busy. It can be overwhelming to balance coursework, family, work, self-care, and other commitments. However, there are activities that can have a substantial positive effect not only on your overall quality of life but also on your ability to succeed in school and beyond. [clickToTweet tweet=”The time spent on involvement in a student organization is an investment in yourself with major immediate benefits.” quote=”The time spent on involvement in a student organization can be viewed as a long-term investment in yourself with substantial immediate benefits as well. ” theme=”style3″]
In a previous post, we show how you can easily add all your different school-related and extracurricular activities into Google Calendar from an Excel spreadsheet.
Participation in student organizations and clubs is extremely beneficial both in the short- and in the long-run. Research supports the idea that students who are engaged with their college community are more likely to complete their degrees and find desired employment.
In this post, I list 7 major benefits of participating in academic or non-academic student organizations. Consider these benefits of joining a student organization while getting your degree. Then research opportunities available on your campus and choose an organization that will support you in achieving your personal, academic, and career objectives.
1. Maturity and Personal Development
Research shows that students who are involved in student organizations have a higher level of personal development. In a 2006 study of 307 students, it was found that they tend to be better at establishing and clarifying purpose, career planning, and life management. They are more involved in education and cultural participation. These skills are critical for your success in college and beyond.
Another study of 286 students reports that many students who participate in non-academic organizations mentioned that these organizations helped them to achieve their personal goals. I like this article because it cites student responses that reflect their own views on the benefits of participating in student organizations.
For example, a sophomore general studies major was “looking for an organization that provided a chance for community service” while a junior engineering major commented that nonacademic organizations “make you a rounder person – perhaps more so than organizations sponsored by your college or department, as they show that you are interested in more than just engineering.”
2. Making New Friends
Meeting new people and forming friendships enriches your life. The benefits of making friends include mutual support in achieving your goals, exchange of helpful knowledge, and learning to communicate with different types of people.
3. Fun and Enjoyment from Organization Activities
While many students are participating in student organizations to improve leadership, communication or speaking skills, others stay involved in organizations just because of the enjoyment it gave them. Several participants in the above-mentioned study explained why they benefited specifically from non-academic organizations.
For instance, a senior agriculture major said: “Student organizations not sponsored by my college give me something to be passionate about besides my main academic concentration.” Another participant, a sophomore business major shared this advice: “I think you also need to be in organizations that aren‘t for your major. It‘s a way to network, make friends that aren‘t like the friends in all of your classes. It‘s really just something fun to do!”
4. Career Development and Networking
Students who participate in academic organizations often join them for career development, networking opportunities, academic opportunities, and personal development. Students mentioned their interest in learning more about their field of study, building their resumes, connecting with students in their major, learning more about advanced degrees, and building their personal skills.
A freshman business major reported, “It will look good on my resume when I am looking for jobs” while a junior education major student explained that her organization has “interesting guest speakers come talk about their experiences.”
5. Knowledge of Your Field of Study
Students who participate in academic organizations mention the field of knowledge they were gaining as a result of their involvement. For example, a freshman science major, said “Speakers give us a first-hand look at their own experience as a doctor, dentist, or student in professional school.” Another student, a senior engineering major, said he now had “a better understanding of the cultures of the businesses that I will be involved with in the future.”
6. Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication skills cited by academic and nonacademic organization participants as a major benefit of being involved. For example, a junior business major said she now enjoys “approaching new people and making conversation” as a direct result of her involvement.
7. Specific Skills
The same study reveals that involvement in nonacademic organizations helps students develop specific skills. Students who were surveyed mentioned leadership skills, general business skills, job specific skills, and learning more about service to others. In terms of leadership and business skills, students cited personal responsibility, time management, and “the importance of deadlines when other people are relying on you” (sophomore liberal arts major).
Another student, a sophomore agriculture major, said she learned how to generate “my own ideas instead of mimicking a teacher” while a freshman business major explained that she learned the “importance of giving back to your community.”
Conclusion
As you can see, these benefits interact and enhance each other. Many of the skills you learn at a student organization are soft skills that are found to be crucial for career success. In his article in Forbes “6 Soft Skills That Guarantee Your Success”, Alex McClafferty describes 6 soft skills that helped him to become a successful entrepreneur. His list of key soft skills includes empathy, negotiation, public speaking, relationship building, leadership, and time management skills. You can start polishing many of these skills while still completing your degree by becoming a part of a student organization.
I know student organizations were an important part of my life during high school and they helped me to feel part of the school community. By the time I was at college, unfortunately, work took up the time I would have devoted to student groups. It was only after I left school that I really returned to take part in activities organized through campus groups. I was pleased that so many of these groups welcomed alumni and members of the community at large, because the opportunities were rewarding and it was a great way to connect with friends.
Kyla, that’s a good point. Alumni groups is another wealth of resources. Thanks for sharing your experience in high school, college, and beyond!
Great points! Although we are well beyond college years, you made some valid points about how important it is to be involved. It’s in your college years that you mature from a kid to an adult so it’s crucial to invest time on making yourself better. Great post!
Thank you! Yes, these are the years when our investment pays off the most.
My sister’s in college taking up accounts and she’s basically an introvert so I’ll share this with her. Maybe this can be the push she needs. Enjoyed it!
I think it’s a matter of finding the group that fits your goals and interests and that you feel comfortable with. It might take some time to find the one. Yes, please share this article with your sister. All the best to her!
Everything you mentioned is true. I have proven that being in an organization will increase the self esteem of the person who is a member of it. It is a great feeling that you know you belong to a particular group and you are not alone.
Ana, thank you for your feedback! I think Aristotle said that people are by nature “social animals.” We need each other to grow and develop.
I didn’t participate in many student organizations back when I was in school. But I didn’t think of all these advantages. You make some great points so students can realize all they can gain by actively participating.
Thanks, Erica!
I was super involved in high school and college and it definitely has helped me in life.
Sondra xx
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Sondra, that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing your feedback with us!
I have always told my kids that they need to get involved in school.. if anything it will keep them out of trouble.
This is so true for graduate students as well, especially since student orgs can really help with research and networking. Love all your thoughts on this subject.
Aireona, you are spot on! Grad students can gain a lot from participating in student organizations on campus and beyond. The earlier we begin to learn about our desired profession and network, the better.
Although I’m beyond college years, this would have been great to know back then. Great information for any student
Thank you, Tina!
I’ve always joined school organizations back in high school and college. I believe they have also made a great contribution to who I became and how I performed when I got into the corporate.
Roselle, thanks for your feedback!
Way back in College, I could still remember how student org helped me. And I agree to this list!
Donah, thanks for your comment!
This is great, and I totally agree! It’s so good to socialize and make new friends 🙂
Victoria, indeed! We all need to be around like-minded people.
I enjoyed being in the Sign Language club at the college I was going to. My husband is starting to realize the benefits to being apart of the technology ones. It has added to his resume appeal.
Emily, that’s awesome! I have always wanted to learn sign language.
My days of being in a student organization are long gone however i really saw their benefit when I was in college. Being a member of a community helped me meet people and learn a lot.
Agnes, that’s the power of student orgs!
Student organizations are a wonderful way to get involved and meet new people. I know a lot of people don’t always know people at the schools they choose to go to.
I agree with all your points. Another reason of joining student organization is to gain influence, that you can use for future cause.
Great post. Really helpful for a newbie. Very well explained and easy to understand. Thanks for sharing such a useful information with us. Keep up the good work.