Many students disregard extracurricular activities in school, considering them unnecessary or a waste of valuable free time that could be better spent, but they can offer opportunities for some of the most meaningful and impactful experiences you may ever have.
Whether it’s through joining a sports club or volunteering to do charity or community work, there is no doubt that you will not benefit from this experience.
The primary reason you should join an extracurricular activity is to stand out on applications and CVs.
Whether you’re looking to find a job, or apply for college or university, it always helps to have something to differentiate you from the mass of other applicants who are trying to achieve the exact same.
For this reason, employers and admissions officers are always on the lookout for somebody with something extra to offer in their personal statements.
Not only because you have gained more skills that you can effectively demonstrate, but because it shows initiative, commitment and a passion to go beyond basic academic requirements.
Being more involved in activities during your school time suggests that you possess the capacity for growth and self-improvement, and motivation and dedication for a particular cause, distinguishing you from others immediately.
Another reason is because they can help boost your academic performance.
It’s obvious that by joining a STEM or maths club your abilities and understanding in those subjects will increase, but studies show that students who participate in extracurriculars learn valuable time-management skills, which can aid them immensely in the classroom.
By learning to juggle and balance schoolwork, homework, clubs, and extra activities, you quickly understand how to prioritise and set time for schoolwork, allowing you to make efficient use of your time.
Finally, extracurricular activities are a way for students to be able to explore what they may be passionate about, and find out their strengths and weaknesses.
You might decide to join a theatre or drama club and find that you enjoy performing in front of a large audience, or engaging with many people.
Similarly, you may also find out the opposite about yourself in this matter, which will be invaluable when you begin to consider careers and other pathways in the future.
In conclusion, joining an extracurricular activity has the potential to enrich your education, allow you to build new skills, increases your chances at landing a place at a job or college, enhance your personal growth whilst preparing you for your future and success in your career and beyond.
