Study Shows Employers Value College Engagement More Than The School Itself

Being involved with your college can be really beneficial. In fact, it turns out the type of college or university you attended may not have as big of an impact on your ability to find a job as you may think; it’s college engagement that is valued. For millennials, this can come as a relief as more students are concerned with the amount of student debt they’ll have after graduation and opt for public schools instead of private ones. There have even been news reports of students turning down Ivy League schools all because the expense was too high. Rather than the name of the school you attended, employers are looking for workers who will be engaged in what they do, which is a result of their involvement during their college years.

A study was conducted by Gallup-Purdue University in which it was found that the level of engagement a student showed in school directly impacted how engaged they were in the workforce post-graduation. Those who had a professor serving as a mentor and who took a personal interest in the student’s education were able to adapt more easily to the “real world” after leaving school.

This knowledge levels the playing field for students who feel they’re missing out on future employment opportunities by not attending the more expensive private schools. Instead, students can focus their energies on getting the most out of their college experiences by getting involved in extra-curriculars to boost their resumes and increase their passions for their chosen career fields. This not only makes the college experience more enjoyable, but it also gives each student more experience to contribute to the workforce.

Some things students can do to get ahead include:

Joining a Student Organization

Pick something that interests you, but if it ties into your career, even better. There are student organizations for just about everything these days. If it doesn’t exist, most colleges are very encouraging when it comes to starting a new one. Being a founding member of a new organization would look great on a resume.

Get Involved In Student Government

This is a great activity employers like to see as it shows leadership, community involvement, and engagement on a wider scale. You’re not just focused on your studies or your immediate surroundings, but on the overall issues and concerns of the campus. You’re representing your fellow students who elected you, signifying your dedication to goal-setting.

Get An Internship

Even though many internships are unpaid, it’s still worth it to get one. As millennials are finding out, even entry-level jobs require some experience in the field. By having an internship, you’ll not only have that experience, but you’ll be able to establish business connections which can help you find a job (or at the very least provide a positive recommendation.

Get A Mentor

This is perhaps the most important key to making a successful transition from college to the workforce. Having a professor you trust who can help guide you is incredibly valuable, and something that can be accomplished no matter what kind of school you go to. Through this personal interaction you can get tips on what courses are most valuable in the job market, what internships or student organizations would be beneficial, and a realistic look at your job prospects. You may even be able to reach out to employers through your mentor, which can be a huge advantage.

Another aspect of being involved in extracurriculars is the demonstration of time management. If you focus solely on your school work, that’s great. If you’re achieving the same GPA while attending student-organization meetings and working a job or internship, you’re showing you can handle multiple responsibilities at once and excel at all of them. Even outside the workforce this is important. You’ll not only have a professional life, but a personal one as well. Knowing how to balance your priorities and manage your time effectively is important and something employers can consider when deciding between applicants.

Showing engagement in school translates to being engaged at work, which increases your chances at being hired. People who are passionate about what they do tend to do better at their jobs and have a higher success rate. They also tend to be happier in their careers, which works for both you and your employer.