A Viewpoint on..........

Extra-Curricular Activities

All too often people do not make selective decisions about their future. They have no clearly defined direction and merely take things as they come. With this "wait and see" attitude they fail to grasp opportunities made available to them because they have not yet charted an appropriate course of direction.

Many students feel that by attending college they have charted their course of direction and are content. Most do not take advantage of the education available outside the classroom in extra-curricular activities. Students attend college to develop their minds and to prepare themselves "to be somebody", but few can find pleasure and excitement in constant intellectual endeavors. Many of these students choose to apply their knowledge and skill in an extra-curricular activity. двери Киев

What IS an extra-curricular activity? Generally, it is an activity that does not occur in a classroom setting, but reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge one has acquired in studies. Some extra-curricular activities include sports, student council, drama club, or a specific organization related to your career field such as Delta Epsilon Chi. I found a sample essay, possibly better Narrative Essay - phd thesis turned out better.

Extra-curricular activities are important for several reasons.

• They furnish an outlet for talents that are not generally used in scholarly pursuits such as leadership and social skills.
• They require teamwork and cooperation which is similar to frequent conditions in the real business world.
• They provide a change of pace from the daily tasks of classroom learning.

Personnel Directors like to look at academic history on a resume but also like to see an understanding or development of skills in assuming leadership roles. Personnel Directors prefer a foundation in the very important areas of basic language skills, math development and communication.

"Educational achievement is very important and impressive, however a straight ‘A’ student with no communication or teambuilding skills may not be the right individual for the job" stresses John Blalock, Manager of Field Community Support for Sears, Roebuck Company.

"Achievement in extra-curricular activities indicate team development, getting along with peers and leadership understanding. Success in the competitive field also gives a great deal of insight into an individual."

"If you look into areas where turnover is high you will generally find a manager with no communication or team development skills. A good academic student with good experiences and participation in a well-rounded extra-curricular activity is generally a better long-term employee."

"In order for today's student to be prepared for the workforce it is necessary to concentrate on verbal writing skills and be able to express themselves in oral presentations, group activities, and in one on one contact. A high standard of performance in these areas will enable them to be very successful" Blalock continued. "It is not necessary to impress a prospective employer with a long list of achievements in extra-curricular activities," states Charles Walters, Senior Vice-President of Administration, Fidelity Insurance. "However, active participation in an association related specifically to your career field indicates commitment and dedication to learning skills necessary in becoming a successful person. The initiative a person displays in participation is very positive in terms of an overall well-qualified person." prison records

All interviewees caution about over committing and becoming trapped into excessive involvement in activities. Be sure to investigate the demands of your activities time and efforts so that your school work does not suffer. Don’t get swept off your feet. Explore an activity that will have purpose, direction, good leadership and give you support in determining your future.

Above all choose your activity for the simple joys you receive in achieving accomplishments. The absolute bottom line is --- your extra-curricular activity must be fun!!! Don't take the "wait and see" attitude in determining your future. Grasp your opportunity and purposely set your course of direction. TODAY'S ACHIEVERS WILL BE TOMORROW'S LEADERS!

 Author: Candy Rowan Berkley serves as Texas Delta Epsilon Chi Advisory Board President. She is an instructor in the Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts at St. Philip's College and has been a chapter advisor for 19 years.