We were all told taking AP classes, maintaining a high GPA, or taking a full load of extracurriculars would secure our place in college and careers. Where’s the loyalty when these students get rejected? Or when a high GPA is a dime a dozen? What truly gets you the seat in life? While academics matter, employers and colleges are often more interested in real-world results than test scores. They don’t want to only see what you’ve studied, but what you’ve started and what ripples you will make.
Extracurriculars aren’t just about participation; they’re about building a portfolio of achievements, leadership, and unique experiences. Don’t discount hands-on experience; whether in skilled trades, manual labor, or practical problem-solving. Having basic repair and life skills can help you build meaningful relationships and a reliable network, especially more valuable in a time of need. Whether you’re a writer, artist, scientist, tradesman, or future entrepreneur, the right activities can set you apart from the competition.
Join Meaningful Clubs and Organizations
Many students join clubs just to check a box on their applications. Instead, focus on clubs that offer leadership roles and real-world experiences. These will create networking opportunities that are more than a paper degree.
● Rotary Clubs and Young UN Meetings connect students with business leaders and
global initiatives. Not to mention, the diverse knowledge network that is housed in one
place.
● Model UN is excellent for future politicians, lawyers, diplomats, or journalists needing
networking. These meetings literally open a world of opportunity and experience.
● DECA and FBLA (Business and Entrepreneurial Clubs) are great for students
interested in leadership, marketing, or finance. True-to-life examples and downfalls of
business will prepare you for running your own home or business (Let’s face it, you may
need a side business in this economy).
● Student Government is not just a résumé booster- this teaches leadership, event
planning, managing peers, and public speaking.
● STEM Clubs and Hackathons build creative projects and problem-solving skills.
Competitions and public projects spark inspiration for true innovations.
● Math and Science Centers offer a specific program of classes that will narrow down to
your field. Often your projects will be based around future careers.
Being an active member who takes on projects and leadership roles is what makes the difference- not just signing up for the club. Projects or awards are publicly documented and waiting to be used for your portfolio. Opportunities are easy to come by to make connections and be part of projects for the community. What will you do for your community?
Lead a Community Project or non-profit initiative
Volunteering is helpful, but putting a foot forward to lead or offer new proposals is even better.
Authentic actions to help others will guide you to who you will be and what you should be doing. Instead of only logging hours at a shelter or food bank, think bigger. Did you only volunteer at a shelter or did you host educational events on animal ownership and care for animals? Innovation is made from necessity. What can you do for your neck of the woods?
● Organize a community cleanup event. Get local businesses and schools involved.
● Create a tutoring program for younger students and help them find their own path.
● Start a fundraiser for a cause you care about (think twice when insurances or taxes may
be involved).
● Launch a social media campaign to raise awareness for an issue.
● Offer proposals for additions to your local parks, schools, and libraries.
Taking initiative and leading a cause proves you have organizational skills, leadership abilities, and passion for making a difference; qualities that colleges, employers, and communities value highly. The steps, organizations, and projects you take to improve others’ lives is what makes the individual. Learn who the individual is and how they can build the future.
Take Unique and Career Building Classes
Instead of just signing up for standard AP or elective courses, look for unique classes that provide hands-on experience. Honors classes can help push you farther than other students to shape your personal experience. Some schools and colleges offer specialized programs that give you an edge when submitting applications.
● Dual Enrollment and College Courses: Take college-level courses while still in high
school. Graduate high school with a degree!
● Internship or Co-Op Programs: Gain real-world experience in your field of interest
(hold caution in unpaid internships). These are great when you don’t qualify yet.
● Research Assistant Roles: If you’re in STEM, assisting a professor or researcher is a
game changer. Gain valuable knowledge and assist with a true study.
● Business and Entrepreneur Courses: Some schools offer start-up incubators for
students. Often projects revolve around creating mock business proposals that create
worthwhile experiences.
● Public Speaking and Debate Classes: Develop communication skills that will serve you
in any career. Often these set you on track with true causes to support.
● Career Centers: High schools often offer career centers where you can gain licenses and
certifications that may help you on your way to a trade center or career.
● Certification Courses: Many colleges now offer free classes to audit or you can pay a
reasonable amount to get certifications or licenses (CDL, teaching certifications, nursing
assistant, first responder, computer networking).
If your school doesn’t offer these, look outside of your school; local community colleges, online programs, free Ivy League Audits, and summer intensives can provide similar experiences. Know your worth, but be prepared to show your worth.
Winning Competitions and Awards
Winning awards, scholarships, and contests give you credibility and a competitive edge. Instead of signing up for generic extracurriculars, look for underrepresented fields where you have a chance of winning. What are you good at?
● Art Fairs: Research past winners and submit in categories with fewer participants. Some
fairs allow you to submit multiple pieces.
● Science Fairs: Find innovative project ideas that haven’t been overdone. Do you know
someone who uses complicated methods to get a job done?
● Business and Entrepreneurship Contests: Pitch an idea or start a small business
(Careful of taxes and licenses in your state).
● Debate and Speech Competitions: Gain public speaking and persuasion skills.
Opportunities to support causes will come flooding your way.
● County or State Fairs: 4h can be an option for minors while adults can participate in
large competitions that aren’t heavily saturated.
Even if you don’t win, participating shows initiative and ambition. These attributes are valuable
on applications and résumés. You can find your calling by trying out new skills for shows!
Get Strong Recommendations
At the end of high school, college, or even a great job, letters of recommendation can make or break an application. Many students ask for generic letters from teachers or employers, but the best recommendations come from people who have seen your resourcefulness and guide others. To secure recommendations:
● Develop relationships with mentors, teachers, or professionals. Others that helped hone
your potential will have inspiration to write for you.
● Take responsibility in clubs, jobs, or internships that give people a specific scenario to
write about.
● Ask early and provide key points or examples that highlight your achievements.
● Leave a lasting and respectable impression on others by writing proposals on unique
projects, fundraising, or programs in your shared field.
A strong recommendation doesn’t just show hard work but a well-connected, easy to work with,
and determined individual. A connected individual is a desirable one.
Get Your Work Published
If you’re a writer, journalist, content creator, or innovative jack-of-all-trades, publishing your work is crucial. Many students take English, art, photography, or elective classes but fewer actually submit and publish their work.
● Write for your school newspaper or local publication.
● Submit essays, short stories, poetry to literary magazines and contests.
● Photograph your handy work projects to blue collar magazines or industrial sites.
● Start a blog or social media page dedicated to your writing, art, science projects, or
behind-the-scenes.
● Enter speech and essay competitions to gain recognition.
By the time you apply to college or a job, you won’t just say, “I love what I do,” but “I’ve had my work published in multiple places.” Don’t worry about followers, concentrate on leaving an effective digital footprint. Show the results of your passion.
Build a Personal Brand and Online Portfolio
With social media and digital portfolios becoming more important, students who actively build an online presence have a significant advantage. Instead of being a consumer alone, become the supplier. Fill the gap that others are looking for in your field.
● Create a website or blog showcasing your work, projects, or achievements.
● Post industry-related content on LinkedIn, Medium, and other professional platforms.
● Develop a portfolio on Instagram, Behance, or YouTube depending on your field.
● Engage in online communities related to your area of interest.
A strong digital presence shows initiative, creativity, and expertise before you even apply for a
job. (See Turning Social Media Into a Portfolio article.)
Success isn’t about checking off boxes. Build a unique, result-driven portfolio that reflects who you are and what you’ve accomplished. Instead of simply participating in extracurriculars, focus on achieving, creating, and leading. When the day comes that the perfect college or career comes your way, you’ll have more than just a transcript, you’ll have a story that sets you apart. Put your name out there!
