Organizations are a great way to get involved on campus, meet new people, and build your resume! My name is Emily Kahler and I am a senior Communication Studies major. During my time at Tarleton, I have been involved in a lot! It has truly shaped my college experience and has opened up so many different opportunities for me. Getting involved is one of the most important things a student can do in college! 

 With that being said, here are some things you should consider when looking for an organization to join.

What are you looking for in an organization? 

It is crucial to know what you are looking for in an organization. Are you simply looking for socialization or are you looking for a strong resume builder? Do you want an organization based around faith or do you want one based around community service opportunities? When it comes to organizations, Tarleton has a lot to offer! 

All of these organizations serve a different purpose on this campus; what are you looking for? These are just a few things to think about, but having a direction is important and will help you find the right fit for you!

What are you passionate about?

When looking at organizations, it is important to think about what you are passionate about. If you are really passionate about helping others, maybe consider applying to be a Tarleton Transition Mentor (TTM). If you love anime, you may want to consider the Anime Club. If you want to learn a new language, you may join the American Sign Language Club. If you love serving your community, apply to be on the Leadership Team for Round Up. Pin pointing a direction you want to take is a good idea when searching for an organization since there are so many to choose from on campus. This will help you narrow down your search.

Do you want something aligned with your major?

Almost every major or college has an organization of some type that will help you prepare for the professional world. These organizations are very helpful because you get to know people within your major, build strong connections, get unique opportunities, and it looks great on a resume. Most of your professors will encourage you to get involved with an organization that aligns with your major and will equip you with the resources to do so. If not, you can always ask about them. As a Communications major, my professors have urged my classmates and I to join the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). This is an organization that gives students some really great professional opportunities and looks great on a resume! This is just one example of a major-focused organization.

You don’t have to stop at one!

You can be involved in more than one organization, but be sure to not overwhelm yourself! With that being said, it can be beneficial to be in a couple of organizations. It is a great way to network, make connections, and meet people around campus. However, it is important to remember that you should always put school work first. Organizations can serve as a nice study break sometimes – just don’t use school work as a break from your organization. I speak from experience when I say that time management is something you must learn quickly in college, especially if you plan to get involved!

It might cost some money.

Some organizations collect dues to help pay for different fees, but don’t let this discourage you. The dues could be one-time fees, monthly fees, or semester fees – or some may not even have a fee. Every organization will be different, but it is important to be aware that you may be asked to pay dues. Many organizations will work with you if money is an issue, so don’t let it stop you.

Getting involved in an organization on campus is so important. It can truly make or break your college experience. Having a smaller community within the larger community of Tarleton is comforting. Finding an organization that aligns with your morals will help you find people that have similar views to yours. It will give you friends and give  a sense of home!