Beyond the lecture theatre: How extracurricular activities shape your career
Extracurricular activities and networking aren't just words you can add to your CV...
- March 12, 2024
- 2 Min. reading time
In the world of education, it's often the experiences outside of the classroom that have the biggest impact on your professional future. Extracurricular activities and networking are not just words to add to your CV. They are bridges to your dreams, tools to help you think outside the box and make connections that will enrich your life.
The power of extracurricular activities
Imagine you are part of a team working on a project that is close to your heart. You learn to collaborate with others, take responsibility and find creative solutions to problems. These skills are essential no matter what career field you end up in. By participating in student activities, you discover new interests and talents that you may not have realised you had. You learn to manage your time, prioritise and achieve goals. All of these experiences not only make you a more attractive candidate for future employers, but also shape your character and your perspective on the world.
Networking: more than just collecting contacts
For many students, networking sounds like a compulsory exercise. But it's about so much more. It's about building real relationships with people who share your passions or can open new doors for you. talendo's events help you make new contacts and expand your network in a meaningful way. Networking not only helps you discover job opportunities, but also mentors, friends and like-minded people who can support your professional and personal development.
Checklist: Effective strategies for building professional contacts
- Be authentic: People are interested in real personalities, not perfect CVs. Be yourself and share your true interests.
- Use social media: LinkedIn, Xing and even Instagram can be great platforms for making professional contacts. Pay attention to how you present yourself online.
- Attend events and workshops: These not only offer valuable knowledge, but also the opportunity to meet people in your field of interest.
- Offer help before you ask for help: Networking is about give and take. If you offer support to others, they are more likely to remember you and want to help you.
- Maintain your contacts: A one-off meeting does not a relationship make. Keep in touch by asking for updates or sharing interesting articles.
Extracurricular activities and networking are crucial for students' personal and professional development. Not only do they offer the opportunity to learn practical skills and discover new interests, but they also provide valuable contacts that extend far beyond your studies. Through authentic engagement and building genuine relationships, doors open to new paths and opportunities. These experiences not only enrich your CV, but also shape your character and broaden your horizons.