You may be wondering how you can benefit from getting involved outside the classroom. In fact, I will be glad to clear any doubts in your minds concerning that. Engaging in co-op or internship programs or other extracurricular activities, often result in the following benefits:
1. Build up and embellish your resume even before you graduate:
Gaining practical experience through co-op and internship programs as well as acquiring soft skills by participating in extracurricular activities will provide you with enough skills required to develop an eye-catching resume. With those programs, you’ll get the opportunity to apply in a real-world setting, the knowledge acquired from the classroom, as well as grow your professional network even before you graduate. The skills and experiences you acquire will distinguish you from your peers, and give you an edge in the fiercely competitive market. Furthermore, soft skills as simple as effective time management, organization, leadership and customer service skills, when demonstrated in your resume can be the reason you are preferred over other candidates in a hiring process.
2. Make some money: Participating in co-op and internship programs not only exposes you to practical hands-on experience but also opens for you an income opportunity. The funds you earn can be geared toward paying your bills and rent, saving for a worthy purpose, and giving yourself some required treats. What’s rewarding is that when you begin handling those financial needs by yourself, you’ll help relieve your parents of some burdens, and awaken in yourself a sense of independence; that in itself is a key sign of maturity.
3. Gain a sense of belonging: We, humans, are social beings; hence, we enjoy the company of others. In Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, the sense of belonging appears on the third level of the hierarchy, suggesting its importance. Joining a student group or a sports team, for example, creates a forum for you to make new friends and to establish social connections; this will trigger a sense of belonging to Social psychologist and assistant professor at Stanford University, Gregory Walton, once said, “Our interests, motivation, health and happiness are inextricably tied to the feeling that we belong to a greater community that may share common interests and aspirations.” Therefore, by actively participating in a group, and enjoying the feeling of belongingness, you’ll be combating loneliness, homesickness and possibly depression.
4. Get insight into making better career decisions: By partaking in co-op or internship programs, you can learn what type of work culture you prefer, determine whether or not you are in the right field, and discover your strengths and weaknesses (both professional and personal). In short, those programs can help you determine whether or not you’ll enjoy the career path your current major is taking you to.
In speaking about the benefit of getting involved, career coach Alina Tubman said, “It’s a great way to build your professional skills including leadership, teamwork, communication and prioritization. All these skills are necessary for students applying for jobs and internships.”
So no matter what you do, don’t be a dweeb ; get involved inside the classroom but then don’t forget to equally be involved outside the classroom.
To your success!