subject: Extracurricular Activities: Explaining Career Success Factors [print this page] A lot of learners view extracurricular activities as voluntary options which can be pursued or not. In that sense, learners might enroll in a particular educational institution and graduate with no participating in any of the extracurricular activities during the training program. Despite being voluntary, extracurricular activities are seen as important aspects for success, that extend beyond educational performance, such as employment plus career. In that regard, the article will attempt to clarify the statement that extracurricular activities are necessary for success.
Skills and Abilities
There are many skills and capabilities demanded by employers that can be learned and/or developed via involvement in extracurricular activities. The list of such abilities might include team working skills, communication capabilities, leadership skills, and creativeness. The above mentioned skills can be learned when participation in extracurricular activities, the majority of which are based around developing such skills. Taking theatre for example reveals that the activity provides a perfect setting to develop communication skills and team skills. Also, the activity might help with the development of such components as self-confidence, which is part of leadership capabilities.
Networks and Companies
It is true that besides personal skills plus achievements there are other extraneous factors that play a role in career success. These factors might contain good looks, articulation, as well as other aspects not related to knowledge. Among these factors can be seen in having good and varied professional connections in various fields. The participation in extracurricular activities might be seen as a contributing element in increasing the network of the individual. Such matter is achieved via making new friends from different backgrounds and hobbies. In addition, in a more direct way, these extracurricular activities can be important from employers perspective, for which the fact of participation, pointed out in a resume, is a benefit during the application process.
