Being an introvert in college can have its advantages and disadvantages. First off, as introverts we are great active listeners, deep, creative thinkers, observant, passionate, and feel most comfortable in solitude. However, we also struggle with socializing, communication, meeting new people, and getting out of comfort zone. This misconception of “you need to be sociable” in order to to leverage your connections, opportunities, and benefits on campus is very skewed.
Here at Florida International University, we believed that introverts getting involved on campus is a great opportunity to make our most of your college experience. Making connections outside of your academics will help you tremendously with personal growth while using the opportunities for networking that paves the path to your future career.
To overcome this challenge, I created a guide about “Empowering Introverts: Getting Involved on Campus to Build Confidence and Grow,” to get an understanding of what ways for an introvert to build confidence and grow academically, personally, and professionally. This article is going to dive into the steps of how to make most of your college experience in college.
Start Small to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
For introverts, the best way to build your confidence and grow is getting out of your comfort and building connections at your own pace. If you don’t want to force yourself to attend a high-energy social events, start with smaller, low-pressure events or clubs that make you feel at ease. Focusing on these small, manageable steps can help you prevent social burnout during events on campus. By doing this you get to meet likeminded people, just like yourself, which gives you the opportunity to the build a community of people who are going through the journey of learning to thrive in college.
Build Small Group Interactions and Connections
Another way to put yourself out there on campus is by leveraging those connections you created. Whether you made connections with friends, strangers, classmates, or roommates, you can have time to ask questions about clubs, events, or activities they participate in. This gives you the chance for them to introduce you to the new opportunities and people you will meet, which is easier for you to step out of comfort zone. You can also reach out to your professor and advisors who often know about clubs, groups, workshop, or leadership positions that are related to your passion and interests. Taking the advantage of networking can be beneficial for your impact on campus while building more meaningful connections along the way.
By putting yourself out there and setting boundaries, this may feel intimidating at first, but the benefits and opportunities are well deserved. Whether you are joining clubs, relying on campus resources, or simply taking advantage of your existing connections to dive more deeper into campus life, each small step will help you grow both academically and professionally. College is a good place to explore yourself such as your passions, meeting people, and discovering what truly interests you. If you want to thrive and grow, don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone because you will create unforgettable memories and set the stage for success after your college years.
Take Advantage of Campus Resources
Introverts can also take advantage of campus resources that are designed to help students succeed, both academically and socially. By doing so, these resources can provide you with ease into transitioning into college life, boost your confidence, and provide guidance when you face various challenges. Don’t be afraid to reach out, whether you need help with coursework, exploring your field, or finding internship opportunities. Remember asking for help is a sign of strength, and your campus is there help you with anything you need to make your campus experience unforgettable.
Take advantage of FIU’s support services such as:
• Academic development and advising
• Career counseling
• Financial aid information
• Tutorial services
• Computer labs and study tables
• Career and academic seminars
• Opportunities to attend conferences
• Financial stipend to students who meet participation and other eligibility requirements.
All faculty and staff are dedicated to being here to provide and support you while you navigate the challenges of earning a college degree. Don’t be afraid to ask for any advice, questions, or help—because that’s what they are here for! They want to make sure everyone succeeds in college.
Leverage Skills for Leadership and Networking
Many people believe that introverts need to be extroverted to get leadership and networking opportunities. However, it actually involves using your strengths such as active listening, thoughtful reflections, and building authentic one-on-one interactions to connect and thrive in professional settings. By leveraging those strengths you have the chance to make meaningful connections and influence others in an authentic way.
Do the Uncomfortable to Grow Confidence
As an introvert, confidence doesn’t mean playing it safe; it means trying new things that you think are out of your league while taking small risks that can help build your confidence. Whether it’s wanting to try a leadership role, collaborating with others, practice public speaking, or attending campus events, each step you take will make such a huge impact in your character academically, personally, and professionally. At Florida International University, opportunities are everywhere—even if you plan to get involved on campus through leadership, campus events, and networking from friendships and experience that will help with your growth personally and professionally.
Conclusion
Being an introvert doesn’t mean you have to stay by the sidelines—put yourself out there even if it feels risky and uncomfortable at first. By starting small, leaning into your strengths, and embracing opportunities at your pace that is comfortable for you to navigate through. Following this guide will provide you with everything to learn the tips and tricks about creating a meaningful campus life experience and connections during your years in college.