Gain Real-World Skills with Extracurriculars at Laurier

Tips to get involved and gain experience at Wilfrid Laurier University.

You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: get involved in university outside of the classroom!

Not only is getting involved in extracurricular activities a great way to meet people and have fun, but it can also help you build those skills that will help you throughout your degree and into your chosen career.

Here are a few ways you can get involved and build career-ready skills at Laurier:

1. Develop leadership skills with student clubs

There are plenty of student clubs (over 230!) to explore at Wilfrid Laurier University. Getting involved with a club is a great way to develop leadership skills as you take on leadership roles like president or vice-president, or another executive position. Staying involved in the same clubs over several years can open doors to different leadership roles and a wider range of experiences.

Student clubs also help build communication skills as you connect with other members, collaborate with other clubs and engage with different departments at the university.

2. Strengthen time management skills by volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to get involved and give back to the community—whether you choose to volunteer at an organization related to your studies or one that reflects your personal interests.

Volunteering will help you develop time management skills as you balance making a difference while still making it to class, finishing your schoolwork and getting the sleep you need. You'll also build teamwork skills as you meet and work with new Golden Hawks.

3. Build teamwork skills with intramurals

Intramural sports at Laurier not only help you stay active while playing your favourite sport (or even learning a new one), but you'll also build great teamwork skills because you're part of a team!

Depending on if you're on a team with friends or if you're on a team with students you've just met, you'll develop different teamwork skills. Consider joining both types of teams to make the most of the experience. Intramurals can also help you build leadership skills if being a team captain is something that interests you.

4. Grow communication skills with student publications

If you like writing, drawing or sharing your opinion on important topics, consider contributing to a student publication like a newspaper or magazine. Even if your program isn't focused in writing or art, you can still get involved!

You'll build communication skills when you reach out to the publication about contributing, and again when you work on your submission and make the final touches during the editing process. Plus, it will feel great when you see your work in print!

Contributing to student publications also helps develop your time management skills. Most publications will have deadlines, so you'll have to be sure to get your work in on time.

Extracurricular activities are a great way to build skills that will help you throughout your life—but they're also about enjoying your university experience. It's okay to participate in activities outside of the classroom just for the fun of it!

No matter how you choose to get involved at Laurier, you're going to keep learning and growing as a person.