A recent study shows 27% of students who engage actively on their campus have a better chance of landing a job in their career field, South student development specialist Gordon Dean said at the Student Leadership Conference Jan. 31.

Students split up to meet others from different groups for the first breakout session.

South Campus health science club president Lisabel Ruiz-Steiblein was happy to learn about the South Campus mindfulness and wellbeing club, which offers yoga as well as meditation, and the kinesiology club, which is in the process of teaching self-defense classes.

“It’s always good to have networking opportunities, which this conference is,” Ruiz-Steiblein said.

After the meet and greet, students attended different workshops that could benefit their groups. South student development associate Sarah Ezrow said to plan events for groups, begin preparing for next semester this semester.

The first step is to schedule meetings with student activities, fill out a checklist and stay in touch with the office to make sure everyone is on the same page, she said.

She then said a student can gain plenty of life skills such as planning, collaboration and leadership through the Recognized Student Organization.

They can plan events around your organization in particular, starting by browsing through the organization offerings in the upper right hand of Blackboard.

The community engagement workshop let students know about volunteering in the community.

“You gain real-world skills through time management and problem solving. It also gives you experience apart from test scores and GPA, which admissions officers look at when you decide to transfer,” Dean said. 

While it is hard for community college students to engage in community activities, Ezrow pointed out that students can reach out to student activities to fill out a checklist and participate in social events.

The conference provided information for students to improve their organizations and how it would improve their lives as well as prepare them for future careers.

“There are always benefits to individuals gathering together for a common interest,” South Campus anime club vice president Alvertis Graham said.

Graham also said their group can help students find a career path through animation, computer programming or video game engineering.

Members agreed the groups not only bring people together who enjoy the same activities, but it may help with schoolwork, which can benefit everybody.