How to Get Involved in University
/hannahs-website-2195/Picture1-k1baa.png)
University isn’t all about getting good grades, it’s also important to make the most of your experience by getting involved, stepping out of your comfort zone and meeting new people. Whether it’s your first semester or your last, it’s worth making lifelong connections and memories by getting involved in university.
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be intimidating but knowing your interests and what you want to get out of your university experience is a good place to start.
When deciding how to get involved in university, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions:
- What are your priorities?
- What are you passionate about?
- How much time are you willing to commit?
- What do you hope to get out of your experience?
Choosing the right club or school organization can be tough, so asking the right questions is a good place to start. Telfer offers a variety of clubs and associations, all of which are run by students.
As someone who was shy and hesitant to get involved in a school club, I want to share some tips that helped me get out of my shell. Joining a university club was the highlight of my time at university and helped me gain experience while making friends and expanding my network. Here are my tips and tricks on how to get involved in university:
#1 Visit Club Fairs
In the beginning of September, you can visit uOttawa’s club's fair. Typically, the clubs set up on campus with a small booth and a few representatives there to talk about the club and answer any questions. Don’t be shy to approach any table that sparks your interest, they don’t bite!
I first learned about the Women in Management Network by attending a club fair in my second year of university. I talked to the representatives and learned more about the organization which then led me to follow them on social media and apply for a role a few months later. Joining this club ended up being the highlight of my university experience.
#2 Know Your Options
After visiting a club fair, you might have a better idea of which clubs to choose from. You can get more information on clubs that interest you by following their social media pages or looking at their websites.
This will also help you figure out which clubs align with your interests. Are you more interested in finance, politics, or entrepreneurship? Making a list to compare your options can help you narrow down your search and pick a club that sparks your interest.
When deciding on which club I wanted to be part of, I knew that I wanted something that would help me network and make friends while also sharpening my marketing skills.
#3 Attend Networking Events
Many clubs host networking events or workshops which are open to the public. Attending these events can help you make connections with people involved in the club while also enabling you to learn more about what the club does.
Not only will you be able to connect with a number of other students, you'll also be able to connect with speakers, advisers, and mentors. These professional connections can help you land a job after graduating. 35 percent of professionals say they secured their job through a professional connection, according to Jobvite's 2018 Job Seeker Nation study.
/hannahs-website-2195/Picture2-a7ca9.png)
Networking events can be a fun way to learn more about the club while also socializing with others. I attended my first networking event in second year university and had two friends join me. If you feel too nervous to attend an event alone, you can always ask a friend to join you.
#4 Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
If you’re an introvert like me, getting involved in university can be challenging. Think of it this way - you only get one university experience, so don’t worry too much about what others would think of you. Getting involved in university can help you get ahead in your future goals.
Now that you know how to get involved in university along with its benefits, go ahead and get out there! If you're hesitant or shy, know it'll get better with some practice and time. Joining a club in your first few years of university can help you make the most of your experience.
Are you a uOttawa student wondering how to get involved in university? Check out the uOttawa student clubs and organizations to get a head start. Feel free to send me a message on my contact page or through LinkedIn if you have any questions about my experience joining a university club.