Students lead busy lives, juggling various commitments such as classes, work, homework, family, and more.
So, why should you consider adding one more thing to your plate by joining a student organization?
The answer lies in its potential to improve both your current academic experience and your future career.
According to the Bentley-Gallup Force for Good survey, which emphasizes the importance of a company's social impact, joining a student organization can help you develop skills and strengths that are highly valued in the workplace.
Here are Some Reasons why Joining a Student Organization during your Graduate Degree could be Beneficial:
Self-discovery
Being part of a student organization offers numerous opportunities to discover more about yourself, your aspirations, and your abilities. By observing how your peers handle different situations and putting your knowledge to the test, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, which can be valuable in your career journey.
Engaging in self-discovery within a student organization also fosters personal growth and development. Through involvement in various projects, events, and leadership roles, you confront challenges that push you beyond your comfort zone, allowing you to explore new skills and perspectives.
Moreover, the feedback and mentorship you receive from fellow members and advisors provide valuable insights into areas where you can improve and excel. Ultimately, this journey of self-discovery not only shapes your academic and professional path but also contributes to your overall confidence and self-awareness, empowering you to navigate life's complexities with clarity and resilience.
Community
Joining a student organization provides a sense of belonging and community. For example, Banmai Huynh ’24 found a supportive community in the Bentley Asian Students Association (BASA), where regular meetings allowed members to bond, share experiences, and address important issues together.
Additionally, community engagement extends beyond campus borders, with opportunities for students to connect with local residents and organizations. Whether through volunteering, internships, or service-learning projects, students can actively contribute to the surrounding community while forging meaningful connections and gaining valuable real-world experience.
This sense of community fosters empathy, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between individuals and society at large, enriching the overall educational experience.
Advocacy
Student organizations, such as the Student Government Association, offer a platform for aspiring business leaders to advocate for causes they believe in and effect positive change.
Engagement in advocacy within student organizations not only fosters leadership skills but also cultivates a sense of social responsibility among future business leaders. Through initiatives like community service projects, awareness campaigns, and lobbying efforts, students learn to navigate complex issues and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
By championing causes ranging from sustainability and diversity to education and social justice, these organizations empower students to become catalysts for meaningful change both within their campus communities and beyond. Moreover, the advocacy experiences gained in student organizations serve as invaluable preparation for addressing real-world challenges and making a lasting impact in the business world.
Soft Skills Development
Participation in student organizations fosters the development of soft skills, including communication, attitude, and work ethic. Engaging with peers and taking on various responsibilities within the organization helps refine these skills and enhance emotional intelligence.
Teamwork
Learning to collaborate effectively with a team is crucial for any career. Student organizations provide opportunities to hone this skill by engaging in collaborative projects and decision-making processes with fellow members.
Networking
Student organizations offer valuable networking opportunities, allowing members to connect with peers, alumni, and professionals. Events hosted by these organizations often facilitate interactions with industry professionals, which can be beneficial for future career prospects.
You can Use the Skills you’ve Learned in Class
Applying the skills acquired in class becomes tangible when engaged in organizational activities. These experiences offer a practical testing ground, allowing you to discern effective strategies and carry this newfound wisdom into both academic and professional realms.
For instance, the Bentley Consulting Group offers hands-on consulting projects, enabling members to immerse themselves in the consultant role and garner invaluable insights.
You’ll Learn to Engage with Diverse Groups of People
Interaction among diverse groups is an important aspect of organizational involvement, reflecting the diversity found in professional settings. Recognizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as highlighted by the Bentley-Gallup Survey, student organizations serve as platforms for understanding diverse perspectives and responses. Groups such as the Africana Student Association and Students Advocating for Gender Equity promote inclusive environments and develop skills essential for workplace diversity.
You’ll Gain Leadership Skills
Assuming leadership roles within organizations fosters essential leadership capabilities applicable across diverse contexts. By overseeing initiatives and fostering community engagement, individuals like Louis, as the BUB president, exemplify the multifaceted nature of leadership. This journey of self-discovery and empowerment prepares individuals to navigate future challenges with confidence.
You’ll get a Break from your Studies — and have Fun
Balancing academic rigor with recreational pursuits is essential for holistic growth. Involvement in club activities offers opportunities for socialization and rejuvenation, complementing academic endeavors. Entities like Bentley’s hip-hop dance group, CRAZE, prioritize enjoyment and self-expression, promoting a balanced and fulfilling college experience.
You’ll Expand your Resume
Active participation in student organizations improves resumes by demonstrating dedication and multitasking skills to prospective employers. Notable accomplishments, such as organizing successful events like the Campus Activities Board's Spring Day concert, demonstrate competence and organizational skills. Tessie Lammle's career trajectory demonstrates the professional benefits of campus involvement, particularly in entertainment-related fields.
You will Give back to the Community.
Contributing to the community through organizational endeavors instills a sense of social responsibility and altruism. By partaking in service projects or fundraising initiatives, students not only make a positive impact but also cultivate an ethos of corporate citizenship. These experiences cultivate a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between businesses and society, preparing individuals to integrate philanthropy into future endeavors.
Conclusion
Joining a student organization during your graduate degree provides numerous benefits that go beyond the classroom. Self-discovery not only helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, but it also promotes personal growth and development, increasing your confidence and self-awareness.
Moreover, the sense of community fostered within these organizations provides a supportive network where you can forge meaningful connections, engage in advocacy, and contribute to positive change both on campus and in the wider community.
By developing essential soft skills, gaining leadership experience, and expanding your résumé, you not only enhance your academic experience but also prepare yourself for a successful future career.
In essence, student organizations serve as invaluable platforms for holistic growth, offering opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and community engagement. By embracing these opportunities during your graduate degree, you not only enrich your educational experience but also lay the foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career characterized by leadership, empathy, and social responsibility.
So, if you're wondering whether to add one more thing to your already busy schedule, consider the multitude of benefits that await you in joining a student organization, and take the leap towards a brighter and more enriching future.
