Now that college is underway, you've probably got the basics under control and have settled into a routine. No doubt you've discovered that college life is a lot different from high school. In addition to new learning opportunities and growing independence, this new world can also give you a chance to do things differently -- to reinvent yourself. And getting involved in campus activities is a great way to start.

Many students look back at their day-to-day life in high school 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.

It's not too late! College can give you another chance to participate in activities you may have secretly had an interest in but didn't get into in high school. By getting involved while you're at college, you can meet new people and develop lasting friendships. You can build important employability skills -- and have fun doing it.

Campus Pursuits Encourage Personal Growth and Develop Work Skills
Extracurricular activities are not just about having fun. You can also learn valuable skills that can help you when you finish your education. Most kids attending college 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 to develop skills just as important as what is learned in the classroom.

No Shortage of Extracurricular Activities on Campus
The amount of activities on today's campuses is amazing. Many clubs and organizations have weekly meetings or events that will allow you to get connected and develop the skills and abilities you 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 favorite thing in high school, now might be a good time to stretch yourself a little and become involved in an activity where you have a chance to develop teamwork and group skills.

Most universities, either through a 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 cup of tea, you could look into joining a 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 you're interested in a career that requires public speaking, you could join a club or group that helps you practice talking in front of people. Many campuses have Toastmasters clubs, drama clubs or student councils. All of these have public speaking components.

Many companies today service a global clientele. You've probably heard the expression "global economy." It's smart to keep this in mind while you're in college. 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 portfolio when it comes time to look for work.

What to Choose?
Overwhelmed by the options? Consider how participation fits into your career/life plan. What skills or interests do you want to develop? You could even make a list of the positives and negatives of a particular activity from monetary, personal and time management perspectives.

Of course, your academic work should be your first priority, so you don't want to overbook yourself. If you're just getting used to college life, you might want to test the waters slowly.