Organizations offer opportunities

Colin Hannifin
Columnist

As another school year begins, a lot of opportunities present themselves to new and returning students alike.

When the semester starts, the student body starts to separate, indistinctively, between those who know where they are going and those who aren’t so sure. While being in the former gives you a definite sense of purpose, many people come to college to take a year or two to figure out just what direction they prefer.

To both of these kinds of students, VCU’s robust group of student organizations offers ample opportunities.

For those with a definite goal in mind – be it medical school, graduate school or a certain profession – student organizations offer a means to help reach that goal. They also offer a chance to connect like-minded students who bring their own experiences and connections to the group. Dedicated students can then use those experiences and connections to help prepare themselves for life after college.

Student organizations also serve as a chance to expand one’s resume. Whether it’s a profession-related organization that will raise your esteem in an employer’s eyes or an organization that deals with a personal passion, it shows employers that you’re dedicated enough to contribute and be an active part of an organization. It also gives you something to talk about during interviews that doesn’t relate directly to your classes. Diversity of the body and the mind is something employers value greatly.

For those who are a little more uncertain of their path, student organizations offer a chance to get your feet wet without diving in headfirst. If you’re not sure of your major, go to some organizations’ meetings and ask the people there what they think. There are plenty who were in the exact same situation, no matter the organization. Older students can offer insight and advice that is far from obvious. At the same time, it offers an easy out; if it’s not for you, there’s no harm in leaving a student organization.

Some truth in advertising: I am the president of a fairly robust student organization myself. But that’s why I know they can be such a great opportunities. This is my fourth semester in the organization, and it’s taken me to places I’ve never been before (literally), as well as secured me a great network, and helped me land one of the most desired internships in Richmond. It’s served me very well, but as with most things, you get out of it what you put in to it. I’ve put in a lot and am reaping the benefits.

As a new school year starts, and everybody enjoys a fresh start, reach out to those student organizations as they reach out to you. All those tables you visited at Friday’s SOVO Fair do hold something for you, but you have to take it.

Plus, it might even be fun.