Professional networking
A recent survey even found that 85% of jobs are filled via networking. If you want to expand your networks, choose a club that’s big, professional, industry connected and international. Having access to an international network of mentors, peers, and alumni via online collaboration is going to be invaluable when it comes to finding a job.
Build self-confidence and become your best self
There are many different ways in which getting involved in a club, society or community activity have been shown to boost self-confidence, and help you to grow as a person.
You’re engaging in collaboration and communication with others towards a goal, which forces you to be patient, reflective, and analytical.
You receive acknowledgment and praise for your efforts well as essential feedback on areas that you need to improve.
You’re able to try challenging new things such as public speaking, in a supportive environment
Practicing ‘soft skills’
We’ve all heard how important ‘soft skills’ are, but the tricky part is getting the chance to develop and practice them in a structured way. Business clubs such as Toastmasters develop activities and education programs around the conscious development of these skills.
Toastmasters offers post-secondary students opportunities to learn and exercise soft skills such as:
- Speech writing and public speaking
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Leadership skills, Creative problem solving
- Communication and active listening
Access resources and get practical career help
Business clubs often offer opportunities for mentorship, as well as training and resources on the practical skills you need to get your career started.
Toastmasters International, for example, has a range of online resources on topics such as ‘how to speak to an audience.’ The Pathways program also includes practical training in areas such as resume writing, interview preparation, and project management.
You can put it in your resume, of course!
During your time with a club, you can work in a range of different roles, from finance to communications. You can include these different roles in your resume, and talk about them in your job interviews! Another one of the lesser-known perks of club membership is the awards! Most clubs have an awards system you can participate in. Toastmasters International provides certificates of achievement, as well as official letters to employers. It’s an important way to have your achievements formally recognised, and it looks great to anyone hiring.
Source : Toastmasters.org
Created by Jayapriya Muthukumar DTM Club Growth Director 2022 – 2023