Why extracurriculars matter
When I first came to Bishop’s University, I knew that I wanted to make the most of my time here, both academically and socially. One of the best ways I’ve done that is through extracurricular involvement in university life. From student societies to charity events.
Coming from a big city – Montreal – and moving to a small town, I was so excited for new experiences and opportunities. Becoming involved in campus activities, like the Bishop’s University Charity Fashion Show (BUCFS) and the Bishop’s University Commerce Society (BUCS). Have played a large role in shaping my university experience. For BUCS, I’ve had the pleasure of being the Vice President of Engagement. So I plan and organize all events for the society, and for BUCFS I am a marketing director, and I create content for their social media. These roles have allowed me to meet new people, create new connections, broaden my network, and gain real hands-on experience in the fields that I want to work in.
Expanding your social circle
Personally, for me, the best part of being involved in extracurricular activities has been all the new people that I’ve met. Not only does getting involved help you to make new friends and expand your social circle. It’s a fantastic opportunity for networking. One of the most important thing you will discover during your time at Bishop’s is how important it is to network and make connections.
When it comes time to graduating, being involved may have led you to meet the person that helps you to get into the industry you want to be in. This doesn’t mean just adding someone to your LinkedIn and never talking to them again. Go up to someone you’ve never met, introduce yourself, get to know them, and let them get to know you. One of the best thing’s about Bishop’s is the alumni, who really want to help current students and get to know them, so take advantage of this.
Stepping out of your comfort zone
Now I know I’ve just told you to get involved, meet new people, network, but it’s not always that easy. Trying new things and putting yourself out there can be really scary for some people. I promise it’s all worth it. Step outside your comfort zone, whether that’s applying for a position at a club or society, or just attending their events, auditioning for the fashion show, interviewing for a committee position, or even by forming a team with your friends to play in a Lug league (more on this later). It will truly make a difference to try new things!
How extracurricular involvement prepares you for graduation
Bishop’s University to me is one of the best universities in Canada. Our small campus life and community engagement really make it one of the best post-secondary institutions you could choose from. From my on-campus involvement, I’ve realized how much more prepared I feel for when I graduate. While the classes I’ve taken have prepared me for my future career in marketing. There’s only so much you can learn in a classroom. I feel BUCS and the BUCFS are what has really taught me practical experience. From planning and organizing events as VP engagement for BUCS, to coordinating and creating content for the BUCFS social media pages as marketing director. I’ve learned new leadership skills, new things about myself, and really discovered what it is I want to do when I graduate.
What extracurriculars are right for you?
So maybe the extracurriculars I participate in have piqued your interest, or maybe they haven’t, and that’s okay! Coming to university is all about trying new things and figuring out what you do or don’t like. There are so many amazing initiatives to get involved in during your time here. I’m a business major, so I tend to lean more toward the business-side of extracurriculars, but maybe you’re wanting to study psychology, in which case we have a fantastic psychology society that hosts amazing events.
Maybe the academic societies aren’t really for you, and you’re more active and outdoorsy, in which case we have B.U. Snow or B.U. Outdoors clubs. There’s also the Lug Sports league, where you could play in their softball or hockey league with a group of friends. Whatever suits you best, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of during your time at B.U. So make the most of it!.
Get involved
Here are some resources that you can use to explore the different extracurricular involvement Bishops has to offer.
