Joining student societies is an excellent opportunity to discover and enjoy your various interests during your time at university. Although you might think of them mainly as a fun way to make new friends or connect with people who share your passions, they can also be incredibly beneficial in jumpstarting your career. Let’s take a look and see how that happens.

Boost your skills with free opportunities

Whether you are president of the student union or editor for the university newspaper, these roles offer a wealth of transferable skills that can help you secure future graduate positions. For instance, meeting deadlines in a busy student newsroom provides valuable experience in time management and conducting interviews. This is an excellent way to gain practical experience early on and build your resume, giving you an edge when applying for your dream internship. Plus, you get the advantage of creative freedom and the chance to experiment without the high pressure found in professional workplaces!

Network with ease  

Even if you can’t take on leadership roles, just showing up to society events can give your career a big boost! These events might include Q&A sessions or industry-specific panels, like Entrepreneurs in Business, where company representatives are actively searching for promising candidates. Since many of these events are sponsored by employers, student societies often have a ‘Sponsorships Officer’ role available. This position involves connecting with, managing, and building relationships with companies, an ideal way to expand your professional network!

In addition, being part of a society also gives you the opportunity to connect with fellow students. It’s your chance to meet some of the most talented and motivated peers around!

A strong impression

Beyond highlighting your hands-on experience, including your participation in student societies on your CV helps your personality shine through compared to other candidates. It shows potential employers that you take initiative, are passionate about your interests, and are dedicated to consistent involvement. Plus, if your society is well-known beyond the university, that adds even more credibility, making it an impressive addition overall!