Connections

With more than 60 clubs and associations on three campuses, Humber College offers students a wide variety of extracurricular activities. With activities that range from varsity athletics to fundraising, snowboarding and public speaking, students are sure to find something that fits their interests.

Extracurriculars can help students identify career interests and goals, gain work experience, develop self-confidence and apply classroom learning to the real world. In some cases, it's also a great way to earn money.

"I have learned so much," says Elisha Arcega, a Business Administration student and the Humber Student Federation's full-time Vice President, Administration, at Lakeshore Campus. Her long list of responsibilities includes negotiating on behalf of students with the Humber administration, the bookstore, food operations, the residence and the information technology community. "If the students present a need, I look into it," says Elisha. She has set up a used book market, arranged TTC discounts and was instrumental in adding Mac computers to the labs. This goes on her resume as expertise in policy writing, strategic planning, staff training, hiring and firing, teamwork and sales. "I met with the Minister of Education to talk about tuition costs," says Elisha. "I pointed out the changing demographic of students and got him to understand our point of view."

Extracurricular activities come with perks. Elisha's include sitting on the stage during convocation and speaking at President Gordon's retirement banquet. "It was scary, but nice."

Success requires more than good grades. Recruiters commonly examine job candidates' activities beyond academia in search of well rounded applicants with emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. They also want good communicators, as Shailav Chokshi knew when he joined Toastmasters. Having grown up in Kenya, he had to improve his Canadian English. "I had problems communicating. If I had to make a presentation, my whole body shook. I was in a panic if I had an interview. It was just horrible. Now, after being at Toastmasters, it is much improved."

Shailav, who is studying to become a chartered accountant, says Toastmasters gave him confidence and taught him the value of eye contact. "Now when I go to job interviews, I get offers." As Vice-President, Education, of Humber's chapter of Toastmasters, Shailav is developing teamwork and leadership skills as he schedules speakers, motivates members and recognizes their achievements.

Rorey Rose also appreciates all he's learned as a Peer Mentor, including its emotional rewards. Now in his fourth year in the Bachelor of Applied Business, e-Business, Rorey shows incoming students around the campus, answers their questions and directs them to resources they need during their first semester. He may suggest membership in some of the many extracurricular activities available. "They make me proud when I see how well they do, and how few drop out." Recently, while in the library studying for an exam, he saw some of his students working on an assignment. "They said they didn't know what they were doing, so I gave them a few tips. The next week I met them in the hall and they said they got a good grade. It made me very happy." Rorey can add peer mentoring to his resume as evidence of time management skills and interpersonal and teamworking abilities. He displays a commitment that will be invaluable to future employers.

Sure, classroom work prepares students for the workforce. But extracurricular activities teach skills that help them explore their physical, creative, social, political and career interests with like-minded people. You'll find friends while you build your resume.