Let’s face it, you will go through the next four years of your life being told that getting involved on-campus is important. We even told you that in our blog “A Texan’s Guide To Getting Involved“.
So let’s assume you listened to our advice and are now involved in AT LEAST one organization or have attended at least one on-campus event. Now what?
It can be easy to get involved, get lost in the shuffle and then completely forget the purpose behind putting yourself out there.
Here are a few tips to help you make the MOST out of getting involved.
#1 Join clubs that directly align with what you would potentially like to do post-grad
There are two key factors that should be considered when deciding what organizations to join; community and guidance.
If you think you want to pursue a career in broadcast or PR, there are an endless array of organizations available to scratch that itch. If you believe that sports media or journalism is your post-grad dream, seek out clubs that teach you more about writing, photography or social media.
Don’t simply ignore the idea that you will graduate one day. Embrace it! Take this time to learn more about yourself and explore your interests.
#2 TRY Everything
Aside from getting an education, the point of college is to literally try everything. High school is significantly different than college in the sense that no one is pushing you to get involved so you have the freedom to try whatever you want.
Do not let fear of failure or change prevent you from trying things you never would’ve in high school. Take advantage of the resources on and off campus and you might stumble upon a hidden talent.
“If I hadn’t gone outside my comfort zone and applied for a graphic design internship, I never would have discovered my love for graphic design and never would have become a graphic designer post-college! Trying something new led me to discover my future!” – Kendall Krebs
#3 Be a leader
Take involvement to the next step by becoming a student leader on campus. Whether you decide to become a TTM or a member of the Student Government Association (SGA), becoming a student leader can make your time on campus even more enjoyable.
Being a leader allows you the opportunity to get to know your peers and help fellow Texans be the best they can be! There are no shortage of leadership opportunities on and off campus that give students the chance to make a difference in someone else’s life.
“My time as the Editor-in-Chief at the JTAC Newspaper greatly impacted my life post-grad. By the time I was out of college, I had a portfolio stocked with feature stories, photography and social media. My leadership experience and portfolio helped me get a full-time job writing, taking photos and designing social media posts.” – Blake Smith
#4 Don’t settle, do it for the plot
Doing it for the plot refers to doing something regardless of the potential for a negative outcome. If you join a club and realize that it does not directly align with your goal, move on. Don’t settle simply because you feel like you are obligated to do so. Never forget that YOU ARE THE MAIN CHARACTER IN YOUR OWN STORY.
“While it is important to prioritize your academics, it’s also important to take advantage of new experiences outside of the classroom. There will be so many things to participate in on campus so make sure to join in on the fun! I promise you won’t regret it and it will make for some of the best memories.” – Halie Moore
#5 Create connections
The beauty of starting a new chapter in your professional life is that you are NOT ALONE. Attending events or joining clubs exposes you to a niche pool of individuals who, for the most part, think, feel and appreciate the same things as you! This common appreciation can be used to help spark conversations and can lead you to finding lifelong friends and mentors.
“During my time in college, I made it a personal goal to speak to two different people in every class. Some of the best friendships I had came from simply not being scared to say “hi”! The great thing about starting school is everybody is in the exact same boat. Sure, it takes some courage to go out of your way to introduce yourself, but it has to start somewhere. I also made it a goal to get to know my professors. This is huge, especially for maintaining those connections after you graduate. One of the best ways to do this is to be present during office hours. This is a great way to gain a mentor and get advice not only for the class but for college in general.” – Courtney Eoff
#6 Don’t just attend meetings, attend events
Lastly, being a part of a club means more than just signing up and paying potential dues. Join a club, make some friends and attend those events!
“Attending events on campus is a great way to meet new people and fellowship in a different setting outside of the classroom. My experience is that most people attending those events are in the same shoes as you and looking to make connections. Who knows, you might even walk away with a free t-shirt and new friend if you’re lucky!” – Abbie Driver
College will only be the best four years of your life if you go out there and GET INVOLVED. For more information about how to do so, visit https://www.tarleton.edu/ses/get-involved/.