Once you have become involved in a club or organization, as I detailed how to do in my previous article, you may want to take on a bigger role and make an impact. However, I have seen, through my own experience, that many students are unsure about how to go about doing so. Thus, here are my tips on how to assume a more prominent role in the club or organization you are part of:
- Identify your interests. Before you get more involved in the club or organization, ask yourself if you are truly passionate and interested in the club or organization. If you are, then you will be able to give the club or organization your whole effort and be genuinely committed to the betterment of the club or organization.
- Make a long-term commitment. First of all, make sure that you can make a strong commitment to the club or organization; if you do not have the bandwidth to devote enough time to the club or organization due to other extracurricular activities, then it may not be a great idea to get involved in the club. Actively attending every single club or organization meeting, event, workshop, etc. is crucial to showing your genuine interest and passion for being involved in the club or organization.
- Take initiative. Making an impact often means taking initiative, and being a leader can mean taking initiative. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you see a problem and voice your solution. Doing so can show the club or organization members that you are a critical thinker who is willing and able to take charge. Also, keep in mind that taking initiative does not have to mean doing something groundbreaking. It can be something as simple as offering an alternative idea to a problem or situation, or it can be something as complex as organizing and leading an event. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how to show your leadership potential.
- Apply for a leadership position. If your club or organization is in need of an officer, apply to and/or interview for the position. Show the existing club/organization officers that you have made significant contributions to the club or organization in the past and demonstrate the unique qualities you will bring to the club or organization. Be sure to fiercely advocate for yourself if you believe you are especially qualified or deserving of the position. Remember to follow through on the statements you make when applying to and/or interviewing for the club or organization. It is important that you continue contributing to the club or organization and demonstrating those unique qualities; it reflects poorly on you and your character if you do not do so.
When making an impact in a club or organization, consider what your motivations are. Answer the following questions: Are you trying to make an impact to genuinely improve and contribute to the club or organization? Or are you trying to make an impact to simply add something to your resume to impress colleges? While displaying your accomplishments on your resume for college applications is great, it should not be your primary motivation for becoming involved in a club or organization and making an impact. In my personal experience, I have seen and experienced that true passion for the club or organization as well as helping and working with others are much better motivators.
In conclusion, making an impact can be as simple as being a thoughtful contributor to group discussions or as grand as leading initiatives. No demonstration of interest is more valuable than another as long as your participation was genuine. In terms of college applications, colleges look for students who are positive influences and contributors to their communities. Making impacts in your local clubs or organizations can go a long way in showing colleges the impacts you will go on to make in their college communities.