Leaders Wanted: An iSchool Student Organization Collaborative Event

SAASC’s 2019-202 Executive Committee elections are coming soon. Have you thought about running for a position with SAASC or another iSchool student group? Not sure what you would be getting into? What are the benefits? But what if you're on the East Coast? And what if you're an introvert? 

Leaders from iSchool's student organizations came together for a special collaborative event to talk about what their experience has been like, what benefits they've enjoyed most, and how they've managed to fit this important work into their busy lives. Before the event, current and former officers participated in an informal survey to answer questions like, “How much time per week do you spend on student organization work?”

The survey revealed some interesting things. For instance, most participants emphasized a few important benefits to participating in student groups. The experience translates directly to your resume/CV, and your experience can provide great talking points for interviews. A few student leaders shared during the event how they were able to use certain experiences for e-Portfolio competencies. Survey participants also pointed out the importance of getting involved in professional associations for career development, and many leaders found that their student chapter experience helped them understand and access these professional organization benefits more fully. Some students were able to receive financial help to attend professional conferences, as well. Above all, student leaders pointed to the very valuable networking opportunities that student association work provides.

The event’s participants also had some insights into some of the challenges that come with student leadership. They stressed the need for developing time management skills and a team mentality. Also, although many students self-identify as introverts, most of them claim that their experience in student groups helped them gain confidence in their ability to manage their tendencies toward introversion and shyness, both now as students and also in their future professional life. 

Furthermore, the event participants stressed that the various “challenges” such as lack of experience and introversion, should not prevent students from getting involved. Indeed, student groups provide the perfect environment to learn, to gain experience, and to grow into your professional life. 

A full recording of the event is available at on our Past Events page, and also on our YouTube channel. Check it out.

For more information, get in touch with your student organizations directly:

SAASC: sjsusaasc@gmail.com
FirstGeneration: firstgen.sjsu@gmail.com
ASIS&T: sjsuasist@gmail.com
ALASC: sjsualasc@gmail.com
SLASC: sjsu.slasc@gmail.com

​And keep an eye open for upcoming information about nominations and elections!