Research shows that clubs and organizations are an integral part of the academic experience for many students. Being involved with campus organizations at one’s college proves to be very beneficial. There are many ways in which involvement helps students, but here are some immediate ways in which being active on campus can boost your time at any college–and especially here at Calhoun:
Boosting Your Resume/Applications
Grades can be a significant factor in getting opportunities such as selective jobs or scholarships. However, fewer people understand the benefits of participating in campus life. For example, being a part of an honor society, such as Calhoun’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, can help with scholarships. Being involved in this organization will also allow for you to take part in its numerous social events and outings, as well as gi you the opportunity to gain a leadership position and show employers/schools your skills as a leader and your ability to dedicate time and effort toward something bigger than yourself.
Meeting New People
Given the fact that Calhoun is a community college, it’s harder for most people to form friendships compared to those at a four-year university. This is due to factors such as the lack of shared living spaces and the fact that many students are preoccupied with things outside of school such as jobs or maybe even families. Joining a club will give you the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and overcome the hurdle of having fewer chances to meet people and form connections. One could find their community within clubs such as, for example, the Black Student Alliance (BSA) or Baptist Campus Ministries (BCM).
Developing New Skills
Calhoun has a variety of clubs that allow for the fostering of many skills. Besides the skills that one could gain from having a leadership position, there’s a number of clubs that aid in specifically developing certain skills. One could build their literacy and critical thinking skills with the book club, hone their musical skills with the band club, or improve their acting and public speaking skills with the drama club.
Delving into Career Opportunities
Calhoun is a great school for career-oriented students. Being involved in a career specific club can allow you to get a head start on networking. Not only that, but for those who aren’t sure yet of what career they’d like to go into, Calhoun gives you the opportunity to explore your options and find out more about specific careers. For example, those who are interested in manufacturing could join the Additive Manufacturing Club (AMC), and those interested in criminal justice and related fields could join the Criminal Justice Club.
It’s Fun!
Possibly the most important reason for taking part in student life is the fact that being a part of an organization can be a lot of fun! It’s healthy to take part in social activities and relax–and to be a working part of a community. Joining will allow you to enjoy having a hobby for little to no money. Not only that, but it’ll be a nice change of pace to do something outside of academics in a school setting.
Building Communication Skills
It’s very easy to fall into the habit of just going to your classes, not speaking to anyone outside of group assignments, and just going home. Taking part in campus life allows you to step outside of your comfort zone and develop a lot of soft skills that will help with both applications as well as one’s professional life after schooling.
Take advantage of all that Calhoun has to offer and consider joining a club or organization! Being involved on campus comes with numerous benefits. One can get a lot more out of their Calhoun experience through being involved.