From an alum: Get involved in the opportunities on campus
This is the opinion of Tom Hentges, SJU '82.
*Editor’s Note: From the Outside In is a biweekly column written by an alum. Please email The Record at record@csbsju.edu with topic suggestions!*
Most hiring managers recruiting for entry level positions look for candidates who stand out. Sure, they’ll take a look at your GPA, but what they really look for are students who get involved in student clubs, community engagement, athletics or the arts. How do I know this? I’ve been an employment recruiter for 39 years.
Students who participate in these activities offer recruiters like me a shorthand on potential hires. If you get involved in organizations outside your academic coursework, it often demonstrates a desire for collaboration, intellectual curiosity and leadership development.
Student leadership can manifest itself in many ways, including the pursuit of department or company internships, academic research, work study programs or any additional employment while going to college. All of these activities—from washing dishes at the Refectory to applying for an internship through Springboard for the Arts—show engagement on your part.
Believe it or not, participation in these activities will help hone your communications, critical thinking and listening skills. It doesn’t matter if you are an accounting, chemistry, nursing or economics major.
When you graduate, recruiters (like me!) will do a quick scan of your GPA. But then we will look at what else you’ve been involved in the last four years. That is where your leadership and engagement will set you apart from other candidates. It’s never too late to get up and get involved.Turn off the PS5 and pause “House of the Dragon.” There will be plenty of time to catch up on those things later!
Check out the great CSB+SJU clubs you can get involved with through Student Activities and Leadership Development (csbsju.edu/sald/clubs/csb/sju-clubs), or talk with your professors, coaches and academic advisers about how you can gain leadership experience while becoming an engaged member of the campus community.