How important ECs in employability?

tenisghs
Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:58:14 +0000

I’m sure others can chip in to answer this question:

Extracurricular activities (especially LEADERSHIP roles) can help distinguish you from other applicants. If you have limited work experience, ECs can help hiring managers figure out who you are, what are your interests, and what is your potential. ECs can also expose you to a variety of activities and situations. ECs won’t help you get the job, but they can certainly improve your chances of landing the interview.

Keep in mind that work experience will always carry greater weight. If you have the means to get a good internship or campus job (something related to major AND gives you transferrable skills), do it!

I was pretty active in undergrad; I am even active in graduate school (I currently hold three “leadership” positions). I am gaining EC experience to learn more about the profession and improve my chances of landing a management offer upon graduation.

Look at it from this perspective: you can build a network through EC involvement.