How to Choose College Extracurricular Activities for a Resume
Make your college experience count and elevate your resume for maximum impact.
As a college student, you might think your lack of professional experience will hold you back from finding a “real” job—but guess what? You’ve already gained a ton of valuable experience from those clubs, teams, and volunteer gigs you’ve been involved in! The best extracurricular activities for a resume are the ones that flex your skills and prove you’ve got what it takes to succeed in the workplace.
Whether you spearheaded a drama club, organized the biggest campus event of the year, or captained the ultimate frisbee team, these experiences have already helped you build marketable, transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Employers highly value these skills, even if your job experience is, let’s say, a little light.
The trick is knowing how to choose and showcase extracurricular activities on your resume in a way that highlights your potential. In this article, we show you how to beef up your resume with college extracurriculars and prove you’ve got what it takes to land the job.
What Are Extracurricular Activities?
Extracurriculars in college are any activities you're involved in outside of your regular classes that showcase your skills, interests, and passions. These could range from joining clubs or playing on sports teams to participating in student government or volunteering for local organizations. And they go beyond just academics.
Involvement in extracurriculars proves you can handle responsibility and stay motivated, even with a packed schedule. So, if you've ever wondered what counts, think of anything you've done on campus that required commitment, creativity, or a little extra effort outside the classroom. All of it helps you grow—and looks great to future employers.
When Should You Mention Extracurricular Activities on Your Resume?
You should include extracurricular activities on your resume when they highlight your skills and experience in a way relevant to the job you're applying for. Here's when it makes sense to add them:
- When you lack work experience. If your job history is a little light, extracurriculars can help fill the gaps. They show you've built transferable skills like leadership, communication, time management, and critical thinking. Perfect for recent grads or students with a lack of formal job experience.
- When your extracurriculars match the job. If your activities align with the job you're applying for, it's a no-brainer to include them. For example, if you led a club and are applying for a leadership role or organized events and are going for a project management position, this can help you stand out.
- When they show off key skills employers want. Even if your extracurriculars don't directly relate to the job, they can still highlight critical soft skills like active listening, problem-solving, and initiative. Employers appreciate candidates who have developed these abilities.
- When you've held leadership roles. If you've been the president of a club, captain of a sports team, or organized a large event, make sure to include that experience. Leadership roles show you can take responsibility and handle challenges.
- When the job values well-rounded candidates. Some companies look for candidates who are not only skilled but also engaged and well-rounded. Including extracurricular activities shows that you're involved, versatile, and proactive.
12 Examples of College Extracurricular Activities to Put on a Resume
These examples highlight the unique experiences and learning opportunities that each extracurricular activity offers. They prove to employers that you've developed valuable skills directly applicable to the workplace, enriching your professional profile.
1. Student Council
Involvement in student council shows you're a natural leader who can handle responsibility and make crucial decisions. It's a role that requires you to represent others, manage different viewpoints, and make things happen. Whether you're the president, treasurer, or active member, your involvement proves you can work under pressure while balancing other commitments.
These are the skills you bring to the table:
- leadership
- public speaking
- decision-making
- conflict resolution
- teamwork
2. Volunteering
When it comes to extracurricular activities in your resume, volunteering is an excellent one to include as it shows your commitment to helping others and improving your community. It demonstrates that you're actively contributing to something bigger than yourself. Employers love seeing volunteer work on a resume because it reflects a strong sense of compassion and initiative, which are valuable qualities in any workplace.
Volunteering demonstrates these critical skills:
- teamwork
- problem-solving
- communication
- empathy
- adaptability
3. Club President
Leading a club involves scheduling meetings and guiding people toward a common goal. As a president, you show that you can manage projects, keep people motivated, and handle administrative tasks, whether it's an academic club, a hobby group, or a cause-driven organization. This is an excellent extracurricular activity for a resume as it shows strong leadership.
As a club president, you build these skills:
- leadership
- organization
- motivational skills
- time management
- conflict resolution
4. Sports Team Captain
Being a captain isn't just about being good at sports—you’re a role model and motivator for your team. As a captain, you manage personalities, resolve conflicts, keep morale high, and make quick decisions during games. It shows that you can lead under pressure and are dedicated to achieving goals.
Captaining a team showcases the following skills:
- leadership
- teamwork
- strategic thinking
- communication
- perseverance
5. School Newspaper Editor
Running a school newspaper means juggling deadlines, managing writers, and ensuring content quality. You're responsible for the publication's success, from brainstorming ideas to completing the final edition on time. This role showcases a variety of transferable skills. It’s one of the best extracurricular activities for a resume if you're applying for writing, communication, or project management positions.
Editing a newspaper demonstrates these essential skills:
- creative thinking
- attention to detail
- time management
- leadership
- communication
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6. Debate Team
Participating in a debate team shows you're quick on your feet, can think critically, and can present your thoughts clearly. Debaters must research their topics, develop compelling arguments, and communicate effectively under pressure. This is great for jobs that require strong analytical and communication skills.
Debate teams sharpen these abilities:
- critical thinking
- public speaking
- research
- persuasion
- team collaboration
7. Event Organizer for Campus Events
Organizing a campus event is no small feat. From booking venues to coordinating with different departments, you've managed all the moving parts of a big project. This role shows you can handle logistics, manage a budget, and problem-solve on the fly—all excellent skills that apply to project management and administrative roles.
You develop these skills as an event organizer:
- project management
- budgeting
- problem-solving
- communication
- time management
8. Resident Assistant (RA)
As an RA managing a dorm community, you oversee everything from mediating conflicts to organizing social events and ensuring everyone follows university policies. It shows you're mature, responsible, and capable of handling multiple responsibilities, which is attractive to employers in any field.
The skills you show as an RA include:
- conflict resolution
- leadership
- communication
- responsibility
- multitasking
9. Volunteer Tutor
Tutoring demonstrates patience, the ability to explain concepts clearly, and a dedication to helping others succeed. You're mastering a subject and passing that knowledge on to others, which is valuable in teaching, mentoring, or training roles.
Tutoring gives you the chance to showcase the following skills:
- communication
- patience
- problem-solving
- adaptability
10. Fraternity or Sorority Leadership
Holding a leadership role in Greek life is a big deal. You're responsible for managing a large group of people, organizing events, and often managing the logistics of recruitment and philanthropy efforts. It shows you can manage a social network, take charge, and handle administrative duties—skills that translate well into many job roles.
Greek leadership roles demonstrate skills like:
- leadership
- event planning
- teamwork
- communication
- organizational skills
11. Peer Mentor
Mentoring other students shows that you can guide and support others through challenges. It proves that you can listen, give constructive feedback, and take a leadership role in helping others succeed, which is valuable in any job that requires management or team collaboration.
As a peer mentor, you showcase skills such as:
- leadership
- communication
- empathy
- patience
- problem-solving
12. Theater or Performing Arts
Involvement in theater or performing arts shows that you're creative and confident and work well in a team to achieve a final product. It also highlights your ability to think on your feet and manage high-pressure situations—skills valuable in creative fields, communications, or any role requiring presentations.
The skills you gain in theater include:
- creativity
- public speaking
- teamwork
- time management
- adaptability
Where to Put College Extracurricular Activities on Your Resume
Where you place extracurricular activities on your resume depends on how much weight they carry in relation to the job you're applying for. By thoughtfully selecting where to include them, you can present a well-rounded resume that showcases the valuable skills you've gained outside the classroom.
Here's a breakdown of where to list college resume activities with examples of how to mention them:
1. Work Experience Section
If your extracurricular activities involve responsibilities or skills directly related to the job you're applying for, you can list them under your work experience. This option works well when these activities feel more like job experience—such as holding a leadership position in a club, organizing events, or managing a team. This helps fill out the experience section, especially if your formal job history is limited. So, can you include clubs in your work experience? Absolutely, and you should!
Example of how to mention extracurricular activities on your resume:
Club President, Marketing Society
University of XYZ | August 20XX – May 20XX
- Led a team of 20 members in organizing campus-wide marketing events, including a digital marketing workshop attended by 100+ students.
- Managed event logistics, coordinated with guest speakers, and oversaw a $2,000 budget.
- Increased club membership by 30% through social media campaigns and outreach efforts.
2. Education Section
If your extracurricular activities are closely tied to your academic experience—like research assistantships, tutoring, or academic clubs—they might fit nicely under the education section. This is especially effective if the skills you developed complement your degree and demonstrate your commitment to your field of study.
Example of how to mention extracurricular activities on your resume:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
University of XYZ | Expected Graduation: May 20XX
- Debate Team Captain: Led a team in national debate competitions, improving team ranking by 15%. Developed skills in critical thinking, research, and persuasive communication.
3. Extracurricular Activities Section
Consider creating a separate section for extracurriculars that don't quite fit under work experience but are still highly relevant. This is an excellent option if you have multiple activities to showcase that highlight a range of skills and responsibilities.
Example of how to mention extracurricular activities on your resume:
Leadership & Activities
- Vice President, Student Government – Represented 5,000 students in meetings with university administration. Led initiatives to improve campus life and successfully lobbied for extended library hours during finals week.
- Volunteer Coordinator, Habitat for Humanity – Organized volunteer groups for monthly builds, coordinated transportation, and managed project timelines for various community service projects.
7 Tips for Choosing the Best Extracurricular Activities for Your Resume
Choosing which college extracurricular activities to include in your resume can be tricky. After all, you probably have a long list of clubs, teams, and volunteer gigs you've participated in. But don't worry—the key is to be strategic about what you mention, focusing on quality and relevance.
Here are 7 tips to help you pick the best extracurriculars to showcase on your resume:
- Use quality over quantity. It's better to focus on a few strong extracurriculars where you took on meaningful responsibilities rather than listing every club you were a part of. Highlight activities where you made a real impact or developed essential skills rather than padding your resume with too many minor roles.
- List activities relevant to the job. Pick extracurriculars that align with the job you're applying for. For example, highlighting your experience organizing events or leading a team is a smart move if you're applying for a project management role. Tailor your choices to what's most applicable to the position.
- Showcase transferable skills. Think about the skills you gained that are transferable to the workplace—such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, or communication. Employers love to see these soft skills, and extracurriculars are a great way to demonstrate them.
- Highlight leadership roles. Be sure to mention if you held a leadership position in any activity—whether as a club president, team captain, or event organizer. Leadership experience shows initiative, responsibility, and the ability to manage people and projects.
- Demonstrate commitment. Consistency and dedication are paramount. If you participated in an extracurricular over several years or took on increasing responsibility over time, it's worth including. Employers like to see commitment and growth in your involvement.
- Showcase impact. Whenever possible, highlight activities where you made a measurable impact. Did you increase membership? Organize a successful event? Lead a winning team? Quantifying your achievements makes them stand out more.
- Balance academics and activities. If your academic background is strong, balance it with extracurriculars that show you're well-rounded. If your work experience is light, use extracurriculars to demonstrate that you've gained skills and experience in other ways.
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