Get Involved: You Become What You Do

By: Shrutinder Kaur

Co-President, Zarb MBA/MS Association 

Vice-President, Hofstra Investment Banking Association 

We all know where we want to reach, but not all of us know HOW. The first question I asked myself before pursuing graduate studies was; do I just need a degree to move ahead or an experience to create an edge? It was not an easy decision to make when you know that there are thousands of people with ‘degrees’ led by a few people with NO degrees. We all know why this is; no book or teacher can give you success or make you a leader, they can only tell you what it takes to be one. It is rightly said, “To know, read. To understand, experience!” 

Student organizations and clubs are platforms to learn, practice and perform your skills. In my experience, a position in a student club is a lot more than just an add-on to the resume. I was given an opportunity to be the Director of Communications in Hofstra Investment Banking Association (HIBA) during my very first month at Hofstra. It has been a journey of building relationships, organizing events, working with the best team and overcoming several cultural barriers. I take this opportunity on behalf of my fellow student leaders to convey the importance of involvement on campus for your own personal development. 

The following are a few of the many advantages of getting involved: 

• Grow your problem-solving acumen: Student-run events are a medium to share new ideas and work on ideas that you never got. Your analytical abilities and problem solving skills will be put to use and will be refined. Imagine you have to organize an event in a team of 7; think of the steps, starting from deciding what the event will be to what to post on social networks after the event. 
• Interpersonal development: You get to meet new people and work with new people; you are exposed to a real global campus. Good interpersonal skills are a prerequisite for many positions in organizations; getting involved prepares you for that world.
• Teamwork skills: This skill is high on all employers’ lists and you better be prepared for it! As a student leader, I got the opportunity to work smoothly and efficiently in a team. 

Go ahead and add meaning to your college experience. Get to explore yourself and learn about skills you never knew you had. Find a club that shares your interests! Working for something bigger than you brings a satisfaction and confidence that no book or talk can guarantee. Getting involved is the key to a complete educational experience. 

As a student leader, I invite you all to participate in our events and join our team to get involved. 

Let’s learn and lead together.