Though picking a major can be tough, sometimes deciding which clubs and activities to sign up for can be just as frustrating. You want extracurriculars to impress your future employers, but what if you don’t know who those employers are or what kind of job you’re going to want? Deciding on a post-grad career path can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean choosing your extracurriculars has to be.
Here is a list of the best activities that are useful for any career path, so if you’re undecided about the future (or just want to fill your calendar), read on!
1. Public service
No matter what you want to do with your life, employers will always be impressed that you used your personal time to help others. Whether that means playing with children in the afternoons or building houses with Habitat for Humanity, not only will your selflessness be greatly appreciated, but you’ll feel great about it too. Jacqueline Gist, the assistant director of university career services at UNC Chapel Hill, recommends participating in different public service opportunities as a way to figure out what you’re passionate about.
For University of Connecticut grad Kyle Heaslip, participating in public service organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Cross Cultural Connection was fulfilling in more ways than one. “Habitat helped me feel important in the community and I gained a sense of leadership and trust from other members,” explains Kyle. “In Cross Cultural Connections, I spent time with a study abroad student and helped each of them understand our culture better. [Working with Cross Cultural Connections] has given me wonderful communication and social networking skills that can really help in the long run.”
2. Greek life
Though fraternities and sororities have a reputation for partying and being preppy, there’s so much more behind the letters. Recruitment (the process of joining a sorority) will teach you great communication skills, and you’ll learn to handle yourself in different social situations, whether it’s organizing a fundraiser or recruiting new members. To get even more involved, try running for an office that relates to your interests. Sororities have chairs for everything from academics to finance, so there’s a leadership position for everyone if you’re interested in that.
According to Gist, “all organizations need public relations, event coordination, money management and leadership,” so you’ll be able to make new friends while building your skills. If you have sisters with the same major as you, they’ll also be able to recommend you at their internships. Plus, being in a sorority will give you access to tons of alumni networking that you can use to get a job!
3. Debate teams
They’re not just for the politically-minded—public speaking is a skill anyone can use. You’ll learn to convey your thoughts clearly and understand different points of view. Some debate organizations, like the Demosthenians at the University of Georgia, even have their own houses and can be a great way to meet lifelong friends as well.
4. A club that relates to your major
If you have an idea of what field you want to go into, you should definitely seek out a related organization. For recent University of Connecticut journalism grad Jordan Acker, joining the daily student newspaper was an obvious route. “As someone who wanted to pursue photojournalism, becoming a newspaper photographer at my school made the most sense in terms of extracurriculars,” says Jordan, who now works as a photographer for LifeTouch. “Not only did I have fun and meet an entire new group of friends, but I gained the experience needed to help me land a job after graduation.”
Furthermore, pre-professional groups are also great if you don’t have a major yet—maybe you’ll love the marketing club so much that you decide to change majors! If your major doesn’t have a student organization, you can always start one yourself.
5. Be an RA
Besides having your housing cost reduced or even covered, being a resident assistant will teach you how to handle a plethora of issues, from roommate fights to illegal substance use.
According to the Division of Student Affairs at Stony Brook University, RAs at their school “have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, make strong connections with other students, and promote diversity and inclusion across their area.” Sounds like a great resume-builder, plus a cool experience.
6. Peer tutoring
It’s not just for education majors—peer tutors are regular students pursuing tons of different degree options. You can tutor whatever subjects you’re talented at, and at most schools, you’ll receive either money or course credit for doing so. Other students will appreciate your help, and you’ll show your employers that you can effectively explain challenging concepts to others.
7. School newspaper
Not only will you sharpen your writing skills, you’ll learn editing and critical thinking and the ability to operate under tight deadlines, which is standard in the workplace. Good news: school papers aren’t just for journalism majors. Most will let anyone join the staff, and some papers will even pay you to write.
8. Career services work or a career peers program
Most schools have a career services center to help students find internships and jobs, and many of these centers employ students as either interns or workers to help recruit others to seek the office’s guidance. You’ll learn about all different types of jobs, and you’ll show potential employers just how professional and driven you are.
9. Tour guide, orientation leader or other university work
If you love your school, this one’s a no-brainer. You get to share your enthusiasm with others and get students excited for college. Employers will love that you stepped up to a leadership role on campus. These positions are very competitive, and the fact that your school wants you to represent them will make companies think you can represent them as well.
10. Whatever you’re passionate about
The most important thing about college clubs is to do what you love, even if it doesn’t relate to your career. Education is the most important part of college, but it’s also supposed to be the best time of your life, so you deserve to have some fun! Do what makes you happy, and you’ll be motivated to do well in your studies too.
Ultimately, don’t be afraid to try something outside of your comfort zone, meet people with different interests and do something you wouldn’t normally do—you might find out that it’s actually what you love. And there’s no doubt you’ll learn important skills along the way that will help you no matter what path you decide to pursue.
