Five Reasons Why College Students Must Engage in Extra-Curricular Activities

Professional courses have soared in popularity. And students naturally tend to prioritize GPAs over extra-curricular activities once they begin their course.  While stringent schedules may not allow for a lot of time to spare, it is still important for students to allocate time for other activities outside their curriculum. In fact, students who are able to strike the right balance between the two often turn out to be more successful in their professional and personal lives. Here is a closer look at why extra-curricular activities are important.

1. Personality edge that employers seek

Unlike a few years ago, today, employers expect more than good grades from students. Everybody still respects a topper. But they would prefer someone who has been an integral part of multiple activities over someone who simply tops. Active participation is an asset in terms of the value and potential that the candidate comes with. Also, it is a testament to his/her ability to communicate, adapt and be a team player. On the other hand, mere academic orientation may come across as a sign of rigidity. Employers seek accomplished individuals who can multi-task, and these activities are the perfect way to showcase that.

2. Industry exposure and networking

Extra-curricular activities provide industry exposure to students in terms of both work culture and contacts. And, at times, being in the right place at the right time could take their career from point A to point B in a jiffy. Be it through peers abroad or industry veterans, these activities enable seamless knowledge sharing that go beyond classroom learning. In totality, experiences like these that can matter more than just submitting every assignment on time or acing all tests. For example, being a part of the student council and organizing seminars offers a greater learning opportunity than merely attending them.

3. All-round development

Extra-curricular activities help shape integrity, morality and a sense of responsibility in students. It helps them develop leadership skills and thrive in large teams. Interpersonal and communication skills are best polished through such activities. Besides, they provide a broader arena for skills to be judged upon; and thus give students confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Also, involvement in physical activities is a great way to keep the mind and body healthy in these formative years.

4. A great way to give back to the community

The energy and enthusiasm of college students could be harnessed in providing for the community. This enables them to become better individuals who think of the greater good. Moreover, when students are committed to the community, they will always try to make a difference through the choices they make. This helps build a better society. They may also leverage their interest in community welfare to have new experiences.

5. Self-exploratory opportunity

College years are the best time for students to experiment. Exploring different avenues even at the cost of failure will not be a detriment, like it would be at a job. Besides, one of these experiments may also open doors to their true calling that may not present itself academically. Extra-curricular activities are often the best way to unwind in the face of stressful academic routines, too.

Education is having access to nurture the conscious and the intellect to one’s best ability. In this journey, college years are some of the most precious with respect to career as well as life itself. With Extra-curricular activities, students can carve their own niche and blossom into accomplished individuals. This path toward self-actualization often results in the comprehensive betterment of the world around them.

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