When we enter college, many of us have an idea of exactly what we want to do after graduation. We pick a major and spend the next four years immersing ourselves in the culture, language, and study of the field. For those of us who may not know exactly what we want to do after graduation, we are able to take many different classes to figure it out. For both of these types of students, there are many different ways for us to grow within college and continue learning more and more about the major we want to be in, and that is major-related clubs. Major-related clubs give a fun and interactive experience into the field outside of the classroom and allows us to connect with other students who want to explore that major as well.
Major-related clubs, just like most other clubs, are run by other students, with a faculty advisor. Usually, there is an executive board made up of students from the school, a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and event director. They plan events and meetings and make major decisions for the club. This is good for a major related club because the executive board will know what other student members will be looking to get out of the club, so they will be able to plan accordingly and make the club worthwhile to be a part of. They also will understand how to engage with other students and make the club interesting and exciting. Because members of this club are in the same major as you, they will also be able to help you with things and create a bond with you, as you may have classes with them.
They also may have guest speakers related to the major of the club. This is a very good thing to go to because it can give a really good insight into the industry you are preparing for, and help you realize if this is really what you want to do. It also gives you a chance to introduce yourself to the speaker and give out your business card, which could help lead to a potential job or internship one day. They may also have opportunities to go to events where you are able to network as well. As an Event Management major, I am part of the NACE (National Association for Catering and Events) club on campus, where once a month we go to an event in Boston and network with professionals in the industry. It is a great chance to not only learn what is going on and what is popular in the industry but also to get your name out there even before graduation.
Major related clubs also help you understand your major on a much deeper level. Sure, you go to classes a few times a week and get lectures and read from a textbook, but it can be so rewarding to be surrounded by your peers and to learn from them as well. You can ask questions you may be afraid to ask in class, get help with a concept or homework assignment, and even find other connections within the industry. If you are still trying to decide what major you would like to study, joining a few clubs with potential majors you like could help you narrow it down and find the major that is the best fit for you.
These clubs are a great way to boost your knowledge of your major or potential major and are very useful for not only the classroom but after graduation as well. Joining them as early in your college career as possible will help expand your knowledge of your major and yourself in that major even more.