So you’ve settled in at university. You’re enjoying your course, you’ve found some great friends and you’ve even engaged with one of the many university societies. But you’re wondering whether you can take it a step further. Should run for a role on the committee of the society you’re in? You’ve enjoyed it so much that you would love to take up a position to help run the society day to day. But then a thought crosses your mind. How much time would it take up? With everything going on with your degree and social life, do you really have the time to be working on extra admin? You love the society, but would all of the time and stress really be worth it?
I am a proud committee member of a society at my university. I was sceptical about joining when the meeting to elect new members was called at the start of the academic year. Not just about the role itself, but also about having to talk in front of the whole society about why I deserve to be a committee member. In truth though, I needn’t have worried. Everyone was so friendly and understanding, and I was successful in my attempt to join the committee of my university radio station. But once again the question of time came up.
Tricky start
Within the first few weeks of the role I must admit I found it tough. Not only was the workload tricky at times but the fact that many people rely on you to get it right provided extra pressure. Add to the fact that sometimes it can get in the way of important university work and can make the whole experience just too much. However, before you decide against running for a position, let me tell you why it has been so worthwhile for me.
There are two reasons. Firstly, being a society committee member looks great on a CV. The fact that you have been able to show yourself as part of a team and take responsibility for a certain area of work within it is exactly what employers are looking for. Furthermore, you may even be able to discover some exciting opportunities which could shape your future career. After all, it’s who you know!
Secondly, the social side. Being so close to a team of like-minded people who are friendly and approachable is fantastic. The friends I’ve made through the committee have been one of the best things about being involved with the societies. Plenty of chances for social events which are just for committee members make it a great place to meet some of the best friends you’ll ever make at university.
Highly rewarding
So in answer to my question, yes. University society committees do take up time. Of course this will change with the type of role you chose and how big the society is. But, in all honesty, the people you meet and the opportunities it has the potential to create make it one of the best things you can get involved with during your time at uni.
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