Why Student Organizations Matter More Than You Think

Although many schools’ brochures and admissions materials focus on rankings, accreditations, program content, and coursework, it can be much harder to learn about the wide range of student societies, clubs, and organizations available to students.

In recent years, student societies, clubs, and organizations have become a genuine highlight of business school education. From sports and recreation clubs to arts, culture, and drama groups, and from community service societies to student government, they help shape the business school experience for millions of students around the world and give students better opportunities for professional and personal growth.

While joining a student society, club, or organization may not be your top priority in the first week of term, it is still worth taking the time to look and see whether anything catches your interest.

For example, EDHEC Business School, which has campuses in Nice, Lille, Paris, London, and Singapore, offers training and recognizes 60 student clubs and societies, all of which are independently run by students.

Let’s take a closer look at why these student organizations can make a real difference to your business school experience...

Meet like-minded people and make friends

During your studies, you will meet people in lectures and in student housing, but unless you sign up for clubs or societies, there is no guarantee that you will find people who share your interests and hobbies. Some of the people you meet through these groups will become friends for life.

Just as importantly, your ability to network without even thinking about it will also improve. Depending on the society or club you join, you may find yourself in a position to make a real difference.

You can have the chance to take on real responsibility

Most student societies, clubs, and organizations are led by students who serve as presidents and manage and oversee the activities and events happening both inside and outside the group, as well as the funding and allocation of resources and facilities.

Each year, students have the opportunity to be elected by their peers to committee roles such as president, vice president, treasurer, fundraising and donations secretary, and welfare officer. Each role offers a real sense of achievement.

This is also where you can build your experience and valuable professional skills such as event planning and organization, market research, and budgeting, all of which are highly valued by employers and can help prepare you for exciting roles later in life.

Every year, EDHEC hosts the annual EDHEC Sailing Cup (Course Croisière), which is considered one of the best student sporting events in Europe. It is organized by students for students, who manage a budget of more than €2 million (about US$2.256 million) and oversee teams made up of art designers, fundraisers, project managers, and more.

And sometimes being part of a club or society will be your ticket to traveling the world (really!). While many of EDHEC’s degree programs, including its Master of Science, Master in Finance, Master in Management, Global Economic Transformation and Technology, offer international study trips, students involved in EDHEC United Nations have the chance to join a five-day conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York City alongside 5,000 other students from around the world.

You will gain a better understanding of work-life balance

As part of a student society, you can step away from the demands of study and assignments. But it is also a place where you can learn more about yourself and how to manage your time carefully between your degree and other interests. Knowing that you only have a fixed amount of time for studying or completing assignments can be a powerful motivator.

You will step outside your comfort zone

It is admirable to have the courage to take the first step and put yourself out there. While the ultimate goal of studying at business school is to earn a degree, business school is also a valuable opportunity to try new things, so do not be afraid to get involved.

Which brings us neatly to the next point...

Being part of a society or organization helps your CV stand out from the rest

Being part of a student society shows your commitment to activities beyond your degree, and if you have held a committee position, you can absolutely use that to your advantage when applying for graduate jobs.

Use examples to highlight memorable moments from your society experience. For example, if you were a board member, was there a time when you had to make a difficult financial decision for the club’s resources and facilities? Things like that can become excellent discussion points in interviews.