Joining University Clubs/Organizations

I know some people who join a lot of clubs. I was interested in joining the Kendo club at YorkU but it conflicted with my schedule. Some clubs are during nights so you'll have to spend more time at school if you arent in residency.

So what clubs have you joined or thinking of joining? Hopefully I can find a way to join a club this year.

Joining clubs makes the university experience way more fun. But maybe importantly, they boost your resume.

For resume purposes, join clubs that are relevant to your area of study or where you want to work. Also, clubs where you can be an exec. For resume purposes, being a "member" is useless...you must have a title as an exec. The best are career-related clubs like the commerce society, accounting association, finanace club, marketing club, engineering society, etc. Being an exec on one of these clubs gets you access to recruiters. Sports clubs are good. Avoid ethnic/religious/political clubs.

Once you are an exec on a club, initiate/organize events and projects. Not only is this your responsibility as an exec, it also gives you something good to talk about during interviews and builds valuable skills.

Clubs I'm a part of: commerce society, entrepreneur club, and a business conference organizing committee.

not to knock the previous posts but don't join a club only for the "resume" factor. SO many people do that, and companies know! If you are truly interested in the club, and have the time to help, then go for it.
The worst is people who manage clubs only for the title and do little to promote anything other than their own self interest.

I find most clubs are BS. Most.

Some are actually real.

Originally Posted by Sylvestre

not to knock the previous posts but don't join a club only for the "resume" factor. SO many people do that, and companies know! If you are truly interested in the club, and have the time to help, then go for it.
The worst is people who manage clubs only for the title and do little to promote anything other than their own self interest.

Not only does it ruin the club, but as noted, most companies can tell if you're not into it. There are exceptions, but if you're a 250 pound man, you probably didn't actively participate in the Ballet club...

Originally Posted by KennethToronto

I find most clubs are BS. Most.

Some people form a "club" to get funding, then "fund" their bank account.

i'm thinking about joining the kendo club (@YorkU) too
depends on my schedule though

others on my list are: badminton, wresting, and dragonboat

but i'll get more info during the sept fest where all the clubs promote themselves and whatnot.

i'm planning to join any clubs that interest me.... personally, i rather not join clubs just for resume.... not unless there is some kind of interest.... otherwise, the club would just be a huge chore.... and i would have enough work with university without the boring clubs...

Originally Posted by trusoulja2g

Joining clubs makes the university experience way more fun. But maybe importantly, they boost your resume.

I think you have it the other way around.

I didn't say to join clubs SOLELY for resume purposes, or only for the title. These are EXTRA reasons to join clubs. Also, if we're talking about faculty clubs, then my thinking is that if you're planning on getting into that field for a career (accounting, marketing, finance, etc.) then you at least have enough interest to join the club. Nothing like a fat guy joining the ballet club.

Are some of you suggesting not joining a club because it may be perceived as for resume purpose? Believe me, it has a big impact come recruiting time. Extracurricular involvement can be more important than marks. What I said about getting a title comes directly from recruiters' advice. I'm not suggesting one should get the title and let the club languish. The whole point is that being involved in clubs helps you develop skills outside of the classroom. The things I'm doing as part of being in clubs involve far more responsibility than all the part time and summer jobs I've had.

commerce society sounds pretty interesting

hopefully ryerson has some club along those lines