College is a network, so make the most of it. One of the best ways to do that is by getting involved in decision making, whether it’s as a member of an organization or by working closely with faculty. Every facet of being an involved student, whether in a Stevens organization or department, teaches invaluable lessons while expanding your network and opening up so many opportunities.
Start with the simplest step: Voice your opinion, no matter how minor you think it is. Even working on a single initiative will teach you a great deal about the school’s behind-the-scenes processes, which gives you more power to be heard. You get to be in charge and make real change instead of complaining and waiting for something that never happens.
Getting things done at this school is hard, and I say that as someone who has tried. But during my time in the Student Government Association (SGA), I have seen multiple initiatives roll out efficiently, whether through SGA or any other organization or department you are involved with. Change doesn’t have to be monumental. Sometimes it’s as simple as suggesting a new way to communicate. Your voice is what drives the school to become better for the future Ducks to come.
It isn’t always about getting things done, but also about the lessons you learn along the way. You learn how to work in an organizational space where disagreement often brews, and how to navigate pushback, communicate professionally, and work with faculty. You also learn to work in teams with various kinds of teamplayers, who might end up becoming your closest teammates, and sometimes even friends.
I can personally attest that being a student leader has exponentially improved my communication skills. I now feel confident voicing my opinions in a room full of people. Before, I would simply stay quiet because I was afraid my ideas would be shot down or sound stupid. I’ve also learned to accommodate last-minute problems by knowing where to find the right connections and resources to make things happen.
All of this builds transferable skills that apply to real-world workplace scenarios. That is the leverage many student leaders have, and it’s why companies often ask what leadership roles you’ve had on campus. Involved students already know how to operate in a workplace because they’ve had exposure to one. College leadership roles are a kind of simulation: You practice communicating, working in teams with a variety of personalities, and taking the initiative to get things done. Everyone says it looks good on a resume, and that’s partly what convinces people to get involved on campus, but the real reason lies in the skills you gain from these roles.
On top of all those reasons, you get to do what you genuinely want to do and enjoy growing and learning through your role. I moved from an opinion writer to Features Editor at The Stute, and I realized that my interests aren’t limited to writing. I also love reading other people’s articles, editing them, and creating features articles every week. Positions can lead you to discover something new that you love.
It also feels good to be attached to an identity and connected to something bigger. When I think about the alumni of Gear & Triangle, it feels good to be part of such a network, and these networks can open up so many opportunities, whether through alumni or elsewhere. One example is through the student newspaper, you have the chance to interview professors, sometimes even in your field, who may present you with job, research, and other opportunities. This applies across clubs, too: Faculty you work with are almost always happy to help a college student who is putting their best effort forward.
Being in an organization has helped me create so many amazing friendships and has contributed to my academic success, too. It doesn’t come without stress, but the rewards are truly worth it, so go out there and make the most of your college experience.
