Examples of Extracurricular Activities: How to Build a Well-Rounded Profile
Extracurricular activities can be a valuable addition to any university and high school student resume, offering opportunities to develop skills, explore interests, and make a difference in their community.
However, with so many activities to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
In this article, we’ll provide a complete list of extracurricular activities, organized into categories to make it easier for you to find the right fit. We’ll also discuss the benefits of extracurriculars and how they can help shape your future.
Written by
- Redaction Team
- Professional Career, Professional Development
Table of Contents
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The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities
Participating in extracurricular activities can help you develop skills that are highly valued in college applications, college admissions and the job market.
These skills include teamwork, communication, time management, and leadership.
The best extracurricular activities can also help you explore interests that may not be covered in the classroom and give you a chance to make a difference in your community.
In addition, many extracurricular activities offer the opportunity to earn work experience, which can be a valuable addition to your resume when you enter the job market.
Types of Extracurricular Activities
There are many types of extracurricular activities that you can choose from.
Some popular options include:
- Volunteer work: This can include a wide variety of responsibilities, such as working at a soup kitchen, volunteering at a local hospital, or participating in university fundraisers.
- Sports activities: Whether you're on the school football team or just enjoy playing pick-up basketball with friends, sports can help you develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
- Academic activities: If you have a specific subject you're passionate about, consider joining a debate team, a math club, or a science fair team.
- Art activities: Whether it's music, theater, or visual arts, extracurriculars in the arts can help you develop creativity and communication skills.
- Work experience: Paid work can be an extracurricular activity if it is separate from your regular schoolwork. This could include tutoring, babysitting, or working at a local store.
- Community service: This can include a wide variety of activities, from volunteering at a local food bank to organizing a neighborhood cleanup.
- Study abroad: If your school or university offers study abroad opportunities, this can be a great way to explore new cultures and develop language and communication skills.
Examples of Extracurricular Activities to Try
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some list extracurricular activities that you might want to consider:
- Join the school newspaper: This can help you develop communication and writing skills, as well as give you the opportunity to cover events and interview interesting people.
- Learn a foreign language: This can be a valuable addition to your resume and can help you develop communication skills that are highly valued in many industries.
- Try joining a competitive team: Whether it's debate, robotics, or Model UN, participating in a competitive team can help you develop teamwork and leadership skills.
- Join a local group: If you have a special interest in something, try to find a local group that shares your passion. This could be a chess club, a hiking group, or a book club.
- Join an online group: If you can't find a local group that suits your interests, try joining a national group online to explore your passion further.
How to List Your Extracurricular Activities
When it comes time to apply for college or a job, it’s important to include extracurricular activities on your resume. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make a list: Before you start creating your resume, make a list of all the extracurricular activities you have participated in. This will help you keep track of everything and ensure that you don't forget anything important.
- Organize into categories: Once you have your list, organize your activities into categories to make it easier for the admissions committee or employer to understand. For example, you could separate your activities into academic, community service, sports, and hobbies.
- Include specific details: When listing your extracurricular activities, be sure to include specific details about each one. This could include the name of the organization or team, the dates of participation, any leadership roles you held, and any awards or recognition you received.
- Emphasize teamwork and communication skills: Many extracurricular activities involve working with others, so be sure to emphasize your teamwork and communication skills. These are important skills for any job or academic program.
- Highlight your accomplishments: If you have any notable accomplishments from your extracurricular activities, be sure to highlight them on your resume. This could include a championship win for your sports team, a leadership award for your volunteer work, or a published article for your school newspaper.
- Separate resume section: It's a good idea to have a separate section on your resume dedicated to your extracurricular activities. This will make it easier for the admissions committee or employer to find and review your activities.
Remember, extracurricular activities can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your skills and interests outside of the classroom or workplace. By including them on your resume, you can showcase your full range of experiences and accomplishments, and shape your future in the direction you want to go.
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