Growing outside the classroom
Why you should get involved as a leader at UM
Becoming a student leader is a great way to make the most of your time at UM for both you and your community! Everyone knows that university is a time to grow and learn, but how many people consider that the classroom is just one of many avenues for that development? Recently, we shared how the Student Experience and Development office can help you find your place as a leader. Still hesitant? Let’s break down why student leadership could be important for you.
Student leadership can help you flourish, both personally and professionally! The range of skills you can develop is as wide as the variety of opportunities for leadership on campus. Here’s just a few examples…
Social connections and communication skills
In a leadership position, you get to meet and develop relationships with a variety of folks at UM! If you get involved with your department’s student group, for instance, you’ll find yourself getting to know your cohort of peers much better. Or, in an interest-based group, you’ll get to forge connections across departments and faculties, with students you might’ve never run into in a classroom setting. More connections means more opportunities to develop communication skills! Over time, you’ll find that you can write email messages or approach people in-person more confidently.
Conflict management and diplomacy
For a student leader, every bump in the road is an opportunity to learn. As club executives, for instance, leaders have to learn how to delegate responsibilities and explain duties in a respectful way. Conflicts can be uncomfortable, but you’ll learn crucial skills like how to de-escalate arguments, or when to seek advice and mediation.
Creativity and problem-solving
Being a student leader often involves coming up with novel ideas to fit specific circumstances! You might find yourself brainstorming ideas for a student event or improvising when plans fall through.
Financial literacy
Many leadership positions involve handling or planning around money. If you were a treasurer, for instance, you would learn how an organisation holds its funds, handle transfers, or design budgets!
Time-management skills
Leaders have to manage their own schedules in different ways – sometimes, they have to manage schedules for others and big groups, too! Whatever kind of position you find yourself in, you’ll learn how to balance your academics with your extracurricular activities and whatever else takes up time in your life. You might also find yourself planning event or meeting times and learning how to balance different peoples’ needs.
Once you get involved, you’ll notice these skillsets enhancing your personal life, academics, and career. Just like you get credit for the skills and knowledge you gain in your classes, you can get credit for your leadership involvement, too! The Experience Record is a digital resource that tracks your involvement in recognised activities outside of the classroom – like an academic transcript, but for all different kinds of opportunities! Instead of just adding new bullet-point to your resume, you can show future employers or admissions offices a verified record of your involvement at UM.
Learn more about accessing and adding to your record on the Experience Record page of the UM website or view your current record through UM Connect. If you’re wondering where to start, check out our recent article about how Student Experience and Development can point you in the right direction [hyperlink when available], or browse the Experience Catalogue for current opportunities. Still have questions? Reach out to ExperienceRecord@umanitoba.ca!