Student Organizations Offer Development Opportunities
By Laura Flores, Calley Green, and Grant Kafka
In today's competitive job market, employers are looking for experience to accompany knowledge. A great way for students to obtain business-related skills is by joining a student organization. Networking, gaining practical experience, and developing leadership skills are just a few of the benefits student organizations have to offer.
One of the major reasons student join a particular group is to build networks with employers as well as other students. Business executives from companies such as Cargill, Hormel, Leinenkugel’s and Northwestern Mutual Life, are often invited to speak to groups on topics such as strategic planning, leadership, globalization, and technology. Through these interactions, students gain valuable knowledge while developing important contacts in their field.
Members of student organizations also build important social networks with other students. Charlie Hofstrom, president of Beta Upsilon Sigma (BUS), said, “I attended my first BUS meeting without knowing anyone and quickly made a lot of new friends." Members often develop friendships that last long after they have graduated from UW-Eau Claire.
" I attended my first BUS meeting without knowing anyone and quickly made a lot of new friends."
- Charlie Hofstrom
Organizations offer members opportunities in event planning and leadership that cannot be obtained in the classroom. By planning and executing major events, such as the American Marketing Association Fun Run, and BUS Career Conference, members work as a team while developing communication and time management skills. Students, who have served their organization as an officer, board member, or committee chair, discover the qualities needed for successful leadership.
All of these benefits gained through student organizations can give students the edge when competing in the job market, as well as improve their college experience.
» Check out the College of Business organizations
Laura Flores from Green Bay, WI, is a December 2006 graduate of the HR program. Calley Green, a junior entrepreneur student, calls Isanti, MN home. Grant Kafka, a senior management major, is from Antigo, WI. They wrote this article for a BCOM 306 class project.
