As a transfer student, I know a few of my major concerns were making long-lasting friendships, networking and getting involved on campus. One of the most helpful events Georgia State offers at the beginning of fall and spring semester is the Organization Fair.
As you walk in, you are handed a complete list of all the groups participating in the fair and you see what seems like millions of tables. It’s intimidating at first, but by the end of the fair, you find at least one organization that suits your needs.
Just as you’ve narrowed your choices down to three organizations, you notice that at least five people are all part of those same groups. Not only are they a part of the same organizations, but they also hold titles in each one (i.e. president, treasurer, secretary, etc).
For example, one of my old classmates is an ambassador, is a member of 1913 Society, is a past Inceptor, is part of the LEAD Team and is in a fraternity. Don’t get me wrong, being active in more than one organization is admirable and shows how involved and concerned you are.
Why be a part of associations that seem repetitious in their mission statements? By adding the same students, campus associations and organizations lack range, causing other students to become dispirited.
I question the sponsors of each of these programs. If you’re constantly adding the same people and over again to different organizations with similar goals, where is the growth of your group? Are you even considering or seeking other applicants or do you just make your additions based on how often you’ve seen students in other groups?
A question that is asked in almost every application and interview process is “What is your involvement on campus?” Naturally, members of the freshmen class and transfer students aren’t expected to have not much if any at all, but it becomes an issue when you have juniors and seniors who share that commonality. I’m not ignorant to those applicants who barely meet or don’t meet the standards set by the organization, but I’m certain that is not always the case. This is not to say that students are automatically counted out for not being involved enough, but the students who are already members of many other groups always getting picked is reason to raise an eyebrow.
Also I question the students who have committed themselves to these organizations, too. Where are you finding all this extra time to be a part of so many groups? Are you not concerned with wearing yourself thin or overcommitting? If you’re a member of countless organizations, how are you sure that you’re living up to the expectation of the group?
Maybe you should track your progress or contribution as a member; if you aren’t meeting the standards then maybe you should reconsider membership. Keep in mind that you are a student first; it’s hard enough tackling classes and your personal life. Remember the goal is to be successful not strain yourself. While you’re looking to make your resume shine, you’re really a space filler for someone who needs or wants that position.
You may say this has nothing to do with me or this is not my concern; my response is that this has everything to do with you. You’re a student, are you not? At some point you’re going to make your exit into the real world and you’ll need something to show for the years you spent in college.
College students join groups on campus for a variety of reasons, the main being to make their resume stand out and for career advancement. I, like many other students, aspire to have an impressive resume that shows how qualified, dedicated, and involved I am, but I wonder where I stand against students who are a part of all the major and official organizations make it that much more of a chore to get noticed or considered.
This is not a put down of the overachievers in extracurricular activities nor the faculty or staffs who support them, but rather a cause for reflection. As a matter of fact, I support joining student organizations; this is the opportune time to meet people with like interest and form bonds that can last a lifetime.
However, I feel like this is the conversation or perspective that’s lacking from the student body. If you’re a sponsor of one of the organizations wondering why you don’t see new applicants or unfamiliar faces this may be why. Not all students start out apathetic to these committees.
So next time you’re at the organization fair or are preparing to fill out that application for membership, don’t proceed with a defeated attitude. First, make sure you meet all the qualifications and are interested in what the group offers; there’s no point in wasting either party’s time. Sponsors, keep an open mind and seek diversity.
To my peers committed to numerous organizations, don’t be afraid to share some of that spotlight and don’t be afraid to say no to an organization; if you’re truly that dedicated and effective it will reflect in your work ethic, not by the number of organizations you joined while in college.
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