Extracurricular Activities and Career Success in College

Introduction and Thesis

How important is it to become involved in extracurricular activities while in college? Some students who research how education impacts their lives — and how it may help their careers — understand that simply attending classes and earning grades may not be enough. To have a fulfilling life and secure a good job, a graduate entering the workforce should have strong communication and interpersonal skills, in addition to good grades and a thoughtful outlook (Chia, 2004). Chia makes an important point: performing well in a job interview means demonstrating to a prospective employer that you possess what is called emotional intelligence — the ability to manage and apply your emotions constructively — as well as strong academic performance and involvement in extracurricular activities during college.

Thesis: Students who take advantage of extracurricular activities have a better chance of securing a good job after graduation.

Employer Expectations and Emotional Intelligence

The head of any company's human resources (HR) department typically interviews applicants. According to Chia's peer-reviewed article in Accounting Education, because unemployment rates are high, job seekers must make an outstanding impression on the interviewer. Of course the HR professional considers grades, but that person also examines an applicant's involvement in extracurricular activities, because participation in social and campus activities is viewed as an advantage for job candidates (Chia, 78). It is even better if a student demonstrated leadership in those activities. For example, if a person was involved in an environmental club on campus and served as president, vice president, or treasurer, the interviewer is likely to view that experience favorably, as Chia's article explains.

Chia also addresses the stress that a job applicant experiences during the hiring process. Because the candidate will likely face pressure and uncertainty, there is often a feeling of losing control (Chia, 79). This stress can be severe enough to impair performance during the interview, meaning the applicant may not present himself or herself effectively. Developing emotional intelligence through college experiences — including extracurricular involvement — helps candidates manage this stress and perform better.

Higher Education Research on Student Success

In their article in Studies in Higher Education, Vermeulen and Schmidt identify three components essential to the knowledge and skills a student must develop in order to succeed in college. The first is having positive personal interaction with instructors who are supportive and responsive to students. The second is engaging with subjects that offer substantial intellectual interaction with peers and faculty. The third is having access to a curriculum with interesting, coherent topics that motivate students (Vermeulen et al., 2008). Beyond these three components, the authors emphasize that motivation and extracurricular activities outside the classroom are also important.

In addition to the value of extracurricular participation, Vermeulen and Schmidt note that involvement in group projects helps students become better-rounded, more prepared adults — particularly when applying for jobs after graduation (Vermeulen, 433). In a related article, Lisa Scribner and colleagues explain that group projects require students to learn to work together as a team. Since graduates may be asked to work in teams in the workplace, group projects simulate that environment. When a graduate has accumulated significant experience in team or group projects, he or she can speak to those accomplishments during a job interview, potentially strengthening their candidacy (Scribner, 2003).

Conclusion

Preparing for a job interview means doing more than simply graduating and earning good grades. The social skills and experiences a student gains through campus organizations and extracurricular activities can make a meaningful difference in securing employment, and this message should be communicated clearly to students by both high school and college counselors. If students are told that grades and a bachelor's degree are all they need, they may find themselves at a disadvantage after graduation.

There are many types of extracurricular activities available in colleges. Sorority and fraternity membership may carry less weight with employers than participation in other groups, such as cultural organizations or nonprofits that serve the community. Environmental groups, organizations that assist senior citizens, and travel groups that foster cross-cultural understanding are all examples of meaningful involvement. Students who seek out and lead these kinds of activities will be better positioned to impress prospective employers and launch successful careers.

Works Cited

Chia, Y.M. (2005). Job offers of multi-national accounting firms: The effects of emotional intelligence, extra-curricular activities, and academic performance. Accounting Education: An International Journal, 14(1), 75–93.

Roulin, N., and Bangerter, A. (2013). Students' use of extra-curricular activities for positional advantage in competitive job markets. Journal of Education and Work, 26(1), 21–47.

Scribner, L.L., Baker, T.L., and Howe, V. (2003). Efficacy of group projects in support skill acquisition: Student vs. alumni perceptions.

Vermeulen, L., and Schmidt, H.G. (2008). Learning environment, learning process, academic outcomes and career success of university graduates. Studies in Higher Education, 33(4), 431–448.