Dear students, consider joining unconventional clubs
January 10, 2023
One week before Mooov-In Day, I accessed HornsLink and researched UT clubs that blended my career interests in business and law. I eventually shortlisted two — the University Securities Investment Team and the Texas Undergraduate Law Journal. After much thought, I added one more club to my list: The Daily Texan.
As an aspiring corporate lawyer, people often ask why I joined a journalistic organization like The Daily Texan. Short answer? I’m still not totally sure. But I do know this: I’ve enjoyed every second, and it continually provides me with opportunities to grow beyond my business education.
It’s true — diverse club selections encourage students to expand their horizons. Students should consider joining clubs and organizations unrelated to their majors.
Clubs and organizations are the backbone of one’s college experience. With over 1,100 student organizations, UT offers students various extracurricular options. But many students limit their attention to clubs directly related to their fields of study.
“A lot of business majors are only in business clubs; I think that is an issue,” said Olivia Zhang, a business honors freshman. “I do want to do some more nonbusiness related (clubs). For business as a major in particular, there’s a big emphasis on learning more about (the field from) these clubs.”
While career-related clubs are a great source for resume boosters, students often restrict their memberships to these clubs. Only choosing professional development organizations can hamper students’ holistic growth and reduce opportunities to fully engage their interests.
Public health freshman Rohan Nigudkar is involved in both the UT Korean Music Association and Texas Taekwondo. He described the benefits of diversified club membership.
“The UT Korean Music Association (in particular) has improved my experience at UT,” Nigudkar said. “The process to participate is very straightforward. (And everything is) pretty easily teachable to students regardless of background and experience with Korean music.”
Students should consider joining at least one club unrelated to their major. The exposure to new ideas, people and concepts could broaden students’ passions, enrich their perspectives and bolster multidisciplinary engagement. Balanced club membership could simultaneously advance students’ academic aspirations and facilitate well-rounded learners.
Although some students may worry about joining additional clubs since it’s a significant time commitment, this is a secondary concern. New clubs will obviously take up one’s time. So, at the end of the day, students must choose what schedule works best for them.
“My biggest piece of advice (to students) would be to not exhaust themselves (by) joining as many clubs as possible,” Nigudkar said. “Rather, they should slowly try new clubs and see if they get the hang of it.”
College is the place to get lost (figuratively speaking). Now is the chance for students to explore unique campus communities, challenge conventions and try new things. Only from this discomfort can we experience personal growth. By joining novel clubs and organizations, UT students can fully benefit from their time on the Forty Acres.
Gokhale is an undeclared business freshman from Allen, Texas.
