Download - Cambridge University Students' Union

students in their union: clubs and societies handbook 2002/3for the college / university vibrant opportunities are a key tool for institutions to recruit new students having taken part in student activities graduates will be more employable improves the image of the institution in the local communitythe importance of key skillsParticipating in a society, whether you are an ordinary member or part of the committee can help develop your keyskills. Employers are looking for more than ‘just a degree’; they want to know that you have developed skills that can beeasily transferred into the workplace. Skills development can also help your members to stay motivated as it providesthem with opportunities to learn more about running a club or society or develop their existing skills in areas they maynot have thought of before. Club and society officers/members will often be working in environments very similar tothe ones that are encountered in the workplace. For example, you have to participate effectively in committees, negotiatebudgets and work with other team members within a club or society, so why not transfer these experiences to a CV?By getting involved in a society you can expect to gain a number of skills. The following skills can be used in yourpublicity materials to highlight the benefits to students of joining or may help you to write an opportunity profile(more on this later in the chapter).• Leadership• Communication both verbal and written• Speaking and presenting in public• Time management• Lobbying• Book keeping or handling budgets• Dealing with difficult people.• Being assertive• Listening• Problem solving• Stress management• Negotiation• Committee skills• Decision making• Event ManagementNUS has developed an online tool which can help students to record, reflect and plan their experiences relating toextra-curricular activities. It is an online personal development planner specifically designed to aid the skill developmentand the employability of students. The tool is called Skills Manager and can be found via www.nusonline.co.uk/nslp.49