How Joining a University Club Sets You Up for Success

When I started my university career three years ago at the Telfer School of Management, there was a lot to think about; for all the excitement and opportunity that I felt, there was also an overwhelming amount of nerves and uncertainty. Where does one even start, on a campus of 40,000 people, in the heart of the nation’s capital? How can you make your mark and comb through all of the different opportunities? 

For me, the answer came in the form of joining a club here at Telfer. There are clubs for everyone in all specializations - click here to check out a full list on the Telfer website. Joining a club executive team or simply signing up as a member is a step that you can take at any time in your university experience, from your first year to your last year. It is an opportunity that has the power to enrich your degree in tons of ways you’d never expect. Trust me - putting yourself out there might be nerve-racking and the interview process can be stressful, but the benefits are more than worthwhile. It’s all about jumping out of that comfort zone! Keep scrolling to find out how joining a university club sets you up for success, as written by someone who has experienced it firsthand. 

1. It Expands Your Network

A major aspect of your journey at the Telfer School of Management is the network that you build over the years - it’s the same for many university students across all faculties and areas of study. The professors, industry professionals, and other students that you meet have the power not only to mentor and educate you, but to become your friends. Seriously - I met some of my closest friends through my time as a member of the Telfer Marketing Association (TMA)! Joining a club makes it that much easier to meet and connect with the right people. 

Think of it this way; if you secure a spot on a club’s executive team, you’re going to spend lots of time working and bonding with the other executive members (karaoke nights are super popular with the exec teams btw!). You’ll also meet and engage with the club member base. Many Telfer clubs have 100s of members and an extensive alumni network! Then, there are the events you host and attend as an executive team which welcome professors and professionals alike. Some of the people you meet will be looking to hire, and some may be open to mentorship. Some may just become another LinkedIn connection that you’ll never speak to again. But regardless of who they are or what they do, joining a club is a surefire way to meet loads of interesting people. Plus, you never know who might be an excellent resource or reference down the line as you dive into your career! 

2. It Builds Your Resumé

Fun times in a club translate to tangible skills, that much I can promise you! If it’s not finance work, marketing experience, internal affairs, external affairs, event planning, or management, then it has to be the interpersonal skills you’ll gain. Socializing and holding conversations is a big part of club life, and can also be quite a challenge for many of us. Clubs truly give you an environment to learn and practice all of these things before heading into your career, and that is incredibly valuable. Plus, it adds a little spice to your resumé! 

Not to mention, you’ll gain some amazing time management skills while in or on a club (as a member or in an executive position). It’s infinitely beneficial for students to gain experience juggling more than just one egg in their basket. Don’t get me wrong, focusing on school and grades is absolutely key. However, the ability to multitask and still stay organized will serve you well as you enter the professional world. So, grab that day planner (or day planner app) and get to work! 

P.S., club events and meetings are good for the soul - they force you to get dressed and leave whatever dark, windowless corner of the world you’re studying in. At the very least, you’ll get some fresh air, bust out your business clothes, and get your mind off of linear algebra for a while.

3. It Boosts Your Confidence

This is a huge one! After spending the first 3 years of my degree heavily involved in a club, I can honestly say that it did wonders for my confidence. You will be placed in industry settings, large-scale events, intimate workshops, case competitions, and the list goes on. Thanks to all of this, you’ll gain not only confidence in your skills but confidence in yourself as a young professional. 

Plus, working closely with upper year students is basically a university life hack. These are individuals who’ve already been through the whole process. They know which classes to take or avoid, the professors you should connect with, how to dress for professional environments, and endless other tips and tricks. It can help you navigate the university landscape much easier!

In all honesty, when I joined TMA as a first year rep in 2018, it took everything in me just to introduce myself to new people at events. By third year, I felt confident enough to become President of a 19 person executive team. It’s why I so strongly encourage all of you to join a club - beyond just gaining hard skills, it’s about being part of a community that supports you and shares your drive. It encourages you to be the best you can be! 

So, go browse that club list, check out some club websites and instagrams, update your LinkedIn page, and let me know how it goes for you! Plus, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns - I’m happy to help you navigate as you venture into Telfer club life.