How to be Involved in the School?

It is easy to get overwhelmed and curl up in a corner and alienate yourself from everything that is not your textbook. However, don’t be that student. Your undergrad is not just about your transcript. It is about your personal growth, the opportunities you take and the connections you make. In order to grow into your best version, you must take the initiative to be involved at Schulich whether that be within the classroom or attending a few ambassador events or even being an executive on a club. There are a wide variety of ways to get involved, and the Insider will help you along your journey. Here are three tips from us:

1. Apply for executive positions on clubs.

At the beginning of your Schulich career you’ll get the opportunity to attend something called club week. This event is hosted during early September in the Schulich basement, and it lasts for a week. You will be exposed to many different clubs related to diverse fields such as marketing, consulting, finance, law, sports and more. The Insider will also be there, so be sure to come say hi. Membership at most of these clubs is usually a fee of $20, but for other clubs, it can be free. Furthermore, York holds its own club week as well usually in mid-to-late September in Vari Hall and Central Square so be sure to explore, and you are guaranteed to find something you like.

2. Reach out to upper years and professors.

Of course, networking events are appealing as they serve as a means to introduce you to a wide array of industry professionals, but many students often forget the network they have in this very building. Several upper years have had internship experiences at very successful companies. Ask them the steps they took to get there, what their experience was like and so on. You will gain a lot of valuable knowledge by reaching out to your peers. In addition, many course outlines often have a requirement for participation. Use that to establish a good rapport with the professor. Professors have good industry experience as well and can offer you a lot of tips on how to do well and achieve your goals.

3. See something missing in the school? Don’t be afraid to start your own endeavour.

All these established clubs you see were started because someone had the idea, and took the initiative to put in the work that has helped the club grow over the years. You too can leave a legacy. Follow your passion, take risks and grow. Don’t be someone who shrugs their shoulders when they don’t see a club that best “fits” them. Create your environment.

By: Sanpreet Dhillon