Understanding “more than just grades”
Two words: STUDENT INVOLVEMENT. These words were introduced to me a little late in the game. I’m a senior in college learning the importance of “more than just grades”. Student involvement is just as the name suggest: the inclusion of students into a formal community with the intent of furthering their people skills or academic interests. This plays a role in opportunities you may gain or miss out on.
On a college campus, this is usually present via social or academic clubs, sports, arts, or any other formal organization where like-minded people congregate. Yeah, I bet you knew that already too. What I didn’t think qualified for student involvement was engagements outside of school yet, it absolutely counts. This could be volunteer work that is non-academic, leadership taken in a fundraiser, being a part of a book club that reads novels written by Black women (if you wanted a specific example for the road), etc. Ok but SO WHAT, right? I’m right on track for graduation, grades are good… I’m literally being a model student. Welp, that’s exactly what some employers and graduate/professional schools say when they read resumes and transcripts, “So what?”
Let’s pause for a second.
I’m the type of person who really enjoys isolation and minimum human interaction (if we’re being frank). Thus, I am not eager to join anything for an extra-curricular purpose. Why does that matter? Well these things are outside of my comfort zone, but it doesn’t speak to the fact that I may identify with one of these organizations. This leads me into explaining why some institutions put a preference to individuals who have been involved in something. Let’s resume.
Personally, I dream of going to (and graduating from) medical school. So, if I knew everything in the world about medicine, does that help me be a good doctor? Does that help me read a room or vibes/ demeanor of people? Does that help me create safe spaces for my patients or co-workers? Does that help me know when to lead and when to follow? Does that help me know that everything isn’t done by the book? The answer is…. NOPE. Interacting builds character, experience and knick-knack skills that a book can not teach you. An employer or school would prize a candidate with associations to groups or experiences rather than one who has none of that because it builds an expectation. The expectation is then satisfied simultaneously because they know someone on a sports team, if you will, SHOULD be able to listen to authority, work well in teams, perform well when put in the hot seat, have a sense of camaraderie, time management skills, etc. When you know a person has achieved a certain level of these things it shows a well-shaped candidate but also…. it’s nice to know that’s one less thing they must teach you. So, for me, the student, I agree with what they’re aiming for. It just sucks for me that I’m hearing the IMPORTANCE of all this so late.
When is the right time to start? Well, I would say start during your summer breaks. JOIN SOMETHING or (for our advanced readers) START SOMETHING!! I wish this wasn’t something you just learn via word of mouth. The importance of student involvement should be something shared widely, not a secret gem floating around. This trickles down to high school students as well because undergrad schools are the same.
I would hate for someone to be in my boat and realizing their degree/diploma just might not be enough.
Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk!