Class after class, professors are constantly providing tips about the working world to undergrads. What kind of advice and wisdom do they share? Employers are looking for more than just a degree! They want more. They want to see what else you accomplished, whom you helped and what you learned, say, outside of the classroom. Looking for that something “extra” in your undergrad career? Well, look no further than the Bennion Center at the Union!
The Lowell Bennion Community Service Center was dedicated in 1987 by then-president of the U, Chase Petersen. Petersen, too, talked about doing extra. He had thoughts of the U giving more to students than just a degree. “No university can rest merely with the transmission of old or the generation of new knowledge. It must also help students reach out to larger opportunities and responsibilities. That is what the Bennion Center is all about,” he said during his dedication speech.
Service is a huge plus when employers and grad school recruiters are looking through your applications! If they’re going to hire or accept you, leaders want to see that you care about the world and its inhabitants. They want to know you can be a leader, too, and help others.
Drop by the Bennion Center! There are multiple events each week and new volunteers are always needed. There are thirteen student-volunteer opportunities available beyond weekly activities and service projects. Students at the U also have the opportunity to earn a service-learning scholar designation on their transcripts. It requires 400 hours of service, an integrated project, four hours of coursework and participation in several events. The payoff, however, can be instrumental. Not only is the designation on your transcript very appealing to employers and graduate schools, but through the experience you will learn, grow and expand your thinking. Plus you never know who you’ll meet or what new passion you’ll discover!
You can inquire more information about volunteering at the Bennion Center here. The next time your hear a professor talking about extras, you’ll feel proud you finally got some advice worth taking!