Leadership

Like most students, you’ll probably join a student organization to have some fun and meet people with similar interests. In the end, you’ll get much more: work and life experience, a wide frame of reference, a great network of friends, and concrete leadership skills.

It’s these leadership skills that may take you further than any other aspect of your education. They will give you confidence, shine on a resume, and make your employers take notice of you. In the end, the qualities that come with your leadership abilities—communication skills, organization, a knack for teamwork, self-confidence, integrity, and a broad perspective—will enrich all aspects of your life.

It may seem hard to become a leader on a campus with nearly 20,000 undergraduates. The solution is to find your niche (or a few niches) and build from there. Go to the list of Student Organizations and see what catches your eye. Pick a group that will likely attract students with the experiences, beliefs, or passions you share.

Some groups are obvious places to build leadership experience, like the Student Government Association, sororities and fraternities, or the Women of Color Leadership Network, but everything from cultural groups to sports organizations will give you the opportunity to participate as a leader and hone your skills.

Once you’re involved, watch how people do it. Learn from their accomplishments and their mistakes, and take opportunities to jump in and participate.