Why Student Organizations Matter More Than You Think

Sponsored by EDHEC Business School

While many school brochures and prospectuses focus on rankings, accreditations, program content and curriculum, it can be a lot harder to find out more about the various student societies, clubs and organizations available to students.

In recent years, student societies, clubs and organizations have garnered real prominence within business school education. From sport and recreation clubs, to art, culture and theatre groups, community service societies to student government, they all help shape the business school experience for millions of students worldwide and are an opportunity for students to better their professional and personal growth.

Although the idea of joining a student society, club or organization might not be a priority during your first week of term, you still might want to take your time to look around and see if there are any societies, clubs or organizations that take your interest.

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

We’re taking a closer look at why these student organizations can make a real difference to your business school experience…

Meet and make friends with like-minded individuals

During your studies you’ll meet people in your lectures and your student residence, but there can be no guarantees you’ll find people with the same interests and hobbies as you without signing up for clubs or societies. Some of the people you meet in these clubs will become friends for life.

What’s more, your ability to network without any conscious effort will improve as well. Depending on which society or club you’re a part of, you might find yourself in a position where you’re able to make

You could have the opportunity to handle real responsibilities

The majority of student societies, clubs and organizations are chaired by students, who manage and oversee the internal and external activities and events that happen, as well as the funding and allocation of resources and facilities.

Each year, students have the opportunity to be elected by their peers to run for committee roles, such as president, vice president, treasurer, raising and giving secretary, wellbeing officer – every role can offer a real sense of achievement.

It’s also where you can improve your experience and knowledge of valuable professional skills such as event planning and organization, market research, budgeting – all of which employers seriously value and can help set you up nicely for exciting positions later in life.

Every year EDHEC hosts the annual EDHEC Sailing Cup (Course Croisière), which is considered the best student sporting event in Europe. It’s an event that is organized for students by other students who manage a budget of over €2,000,000 (~US$2,256,000) and oversee a team 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 degree programs at EDHEC including the Master of Science – Financial Economics and the Master in Management, Global Economic Transformation and Technology offer international study trips, students who are part of the EDHEC United Nations have the chance to take part in a five-day conference at the UN Headquarters in New York City with 5,000 other students from around the world.

You’ll get a better sense of what it means to have a good work/life balance

Being part of a student society lets you take a break from the demands of studying and assignments. But it’s also where you get to know yourself better and learn what it means to manage your time carefully between your degree and other interests. Knowing you have only a set amount of time to dedicate to studying or writing an assignment can be a real motivator.

You’ll get out of your comfort zone

Having the courage to take that first step and put yourself out there is pretty admirable. While your ultimate goal of studying at business school is to earn a degree, business school is also a valuable opportunity to try something new – so don’t be afraid to get out there.

Which leads us nicely on to our next point…

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

Being part of a student society demonstrates your commitment to other activities outside of your degree, and if you’ve had a position on the committee then you can definitely use this to your advantage when it comes to applying to graduate jobs.

Give examples of memorable moments from your time at the club. For example, if you were on the board, was there a time when you had to make difficult financial decisions for the club’s resources and facilities? It’s things like this which can make great discussion points in your interview.