4 ways to gain experience for your resume
How you get involved during your time at CU Boulder can demonstrate a number of things to future employers. Getting involved shows commitment, initiative and collaboration. These experiences can add depth to your resume and LinkedIn profile, and also give you great stories to share during interviews to demonstrate your strengths and skills. Here are four ways to gain experience this year by getting involved.
Join a student organization
Student organizations are a great way to meet new friends and explore interests. And they are also a great way to gain professional experience.
Many organizations have different roles and positions for students to fill. These can include roles in leadership positions, programming and event planning, marketing and more. Joining a student organization and taking on responsibilities with these roles can help you build valuable non-technical skills in addition to gaining experience. Non-technical skills include creativity, adaptability, communication and problem solving, and can translate across many job industries.
If you’re already a member of a student organization, consider new roles and responsibilities you could take on. Maybe your organization needs someone to help facilitate meetings or step in and fill a certain position next semester. Think of some specific skills you’d like to build and develop, and different ways to do that within your organization.
If you’re looking for a student organization to join, browse BuffConnect or visit with the Center for Student Involvement (CSI). You could also ask your advisor about opportunities that compliment your major or interests.
Can’t find a group that matches your interests? You could also start an organization of your own! CSI supports student groups with the resources to plan events, raise funds and grow your organization.
Apply to a leadership program
In addition to leadership roles offered in student organizations, there are also leadership programs that allow you to build skills and gain experience. Consider joining the Journey Leader or CU GOLD programs next semester:
- Journey Leaders are a diverse team of CU Boulder students who work together to welcome new students and families to campus. As a Journey Leader, you’ll develop public speaking and teamwork skills in addition to gaining experience.
- CU GOLD provides free leadership development opportunities to all students. Students can register for the Core Leadership Program, which consists of weekly seminars on a variety of leadership topics, and attend other leadership workshops throughout the semester.
Look for service opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to get involved, both on campus or in your local area. Not only can you meet new people and make a positive difference in your community, but you can use your strengths to support a cause you care about. And at the same time, volunteering can help you learn new skills. The experiences you gain can be an excellent point of discussion in a future job interview.
When it comes to volunteering, there’s something for everyone. From working with animals to politics to the environment, there are plenty of opportunities to match your interests and fit your schedule. Connect with the Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) to learn more about finding service opportunities.
Consider a part-time job or internship
Aside from earning money, working on campus is a great way to get involved, begin building your professional network and gain work experience. From paid research studies to part-time student employment, there are many opportunities to work at CU Boulder.