In four years (or five or six), when your student graduates from college, his or her education will encompass much more than what is printed on an academic transcript. In addition to what students are taught in the classroom, their learning is complemented and supported by a vast range of experiences outside of the classroom.
While parents are often focused on grades or a student’s decisions related to majors, future employers will not make hiring decisions based solely on those factors. They will want to know how a job applicant has developed life skills that can contribute to the company or organization that hires him. Student life activities, community volunteering, and student employment on and off campus demonstrate a student’s ability to apply their education to real-life circumstances. When students have evidence that they can solve problems, work as a team member, and communicate effectively, they are better candidates for most jobs.
Student organizations, for example, offer experience in team work and collaboration and provide leadership positions. Service learning opportunities are available through clubs, volunteer groups, and some academic courses. In addition, research shows that students who connect to their college or university through active learning experiences like sports, clubs, and volunteer work are more likely to graduate in four years than their peers who are less involved.