College: A Chance for Reinvention

Is your child getting nervous about college? It's normal to have some apprehension as they prepare for their new life. Now might be a good time for your child to review their high school years with an eye to the future. College can be a good time to make some changes based on their high school experience. It's a time for reinvention!

Many kids today look back at being caught up in the day-to-day life of the high school scene and wish they had been more involved in school life. Maybe they didn't choose to join a club or participate in an activity because of peer pressure, lack of motivation or a time crunch.

Let them know it's not too late. They have another chance to participate in activities they may have secretly had an interest in but didn't do as teens. By getting involved while they're at college, they will meet new people and develop lasting friendships. They will develop important employability skills. And they might even be able to pursue an interest that they weren't able to access through their school or home community.

Campus Pursuits Encourage Personal Growth and Develop Work Skills

Most kids attending post-secondary education have a sketchy idea of what they might want to do after they finish college or university, and what skills and areas of knowledge they need to successfully land a job. Campus life offers many opportunities beyond academic pursuits that can develop skills just as important as what is learned in the classroom.

Research the extracurricular options available before your son or daughter heads off to campus. Consider how participation fits into their career/life plan. What skills or interests do they want to develop? Consider together the positives and negatives of joining or participating in a particular activity from monetary, personal and time management perspectives.

No Shortage of Extracurricular Activities on Campus

There is an amazing amount of activities on today's campuses. Many clubs and organizations have weekly meetings or events that will allow your child to get connected and develop the skills and abilities they want to improve.

The number one skill of the future, according to economist Nuala Beck, is the ability to work as part of a team. If playing a team sport or joining a group activity wasn't your kid's favorite thing in high school, now is a good time to help them stretch themselves and encourage them to become involved in an activity where they have a chance to develop their teamwork and group skills.

Most universities, either through their student association or recreation department, offer a number of intramural sport opportunities that don't require prior experience, only a willingness to have fun and the desire to get exercise.

If physical activity isn't your son or daughter's cup of tea, help them look into joining their faculty club, a community service club, a fraternity or sorority, or a club that "just looks interesting!"

The ability to communicate is high on the list for most employers. Not only the ability to write, but also the ability to present yourself with confidence when making a presentation or working in a group situation.

If your son or daughter is interested in future work that requires public speaking, suggest that they join a club or group that helps them practice talking in front of people. Many campuses have Toastmasters clubs, drama clubs or student councils. All have public speaking components.

Many companies today service a global clientele. Perhaps you've heard discussion around the kitchen table about career opportunities internationally. Joining a linguistic club, taking a foreign language course or joining a multicultural club is an ideal way to explore cultures and build the background necessary to navigate the international business scene. Supplementing course work in this way adds to your child's personal portfolio when it comes time to look for work.

What to Choose?

Most campuses have a clubs day early on in the year so your son or daughter can survey the situation and make some decisions then. Encourage them to get involved and do something they always wanted to do.