So, it’s your senior year and you notice there is absolutely nothing on your resume, or you’re a freshman who was too consumed with pledgeship and getting used to Norman during the first semester to get involved. Whatever your story, everyone can benefit from joining on-campus organizations outside of your fraternity or sorority. These organizations can include philanthropic groups, professional development organizations, the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Council – the opportunities are endless.
Some may feel that trying to get involved in the middle of the year is like showing up at the club at 1:30 a.m. However, this idea could not be more wrong. The middle of the year is the time that most organizations are no longer experiencing the influx of the come-to-one-meeting-never-to-be-seen-again students and they are in need of new ideas. This is the perfect time for you to step in. Getting involved is as easy as going to the first meeting and connecting to the people around you. Every organization needs as much manpower as possible and new people who are looking to help out are always appreciated.
Listing on-campus organizations on a resume will make you look good, but having a story about how you individually bettered the organization, or listing a position in the organization, is much better. This is why you need to focus on being an active member in every group you join. After all, you will not reap the benefits of the organization without truly being invested in it. Also, you definitely do not want a future employer to ask about the group and have absolutely nothing to say. I guarantee that going above and beyond will open doors for you, professionally and socially. For me, being involved has provided internship opportunities, recognition on the national level and free trips to conferences all over the United States.
This brings me to my next point: It’s important to make sure you’re joining groups that reflect your interests. What’s the point of sitting through meetings you don’t care about with people you don’t connect with? For example, just because your best friend is in CAC does not mean you have to be. Organizations are meant to be a way to meet new people, so take some time to really think about what you’re getting yourself into. It took me about two years to really figure out where I fit in best, so don’t give up!
Your resume is not complete without at least one other on-campus organization besides your Greek house, so check the Internet, pay attention to the flyers, talk to your professors and get out there this semester!