Resumé Builders

Aside from the chance to see the world, Gallagher learned how to deal with language barriers, differing working styles and paces, and a lack of resources. “I’ve never had to improvise so much in my life. I had to figure out how to do science experiments without test tubes.”

Gallagher, who has also volunteered with a variety of other groups, said her non-academic activities not only developed her skills, but also helped her decide what she doesn’t want to do with her life. Before her Africa trip, while investigating her options in case she doesn’t get into medical school, she worked in a pharmaceutical lab—and found it wasn’t for her. However, after her Malawi experience, she is considering education as an alternate field.

Although Gallagher’s undergraduate degree has taken her six years to complete, including an exchange to Sweden and a co-op term, she believes it has made her a more well-rounded individual and a more attractive applicant for employment and medical school. “I have a different understanding of the world than other people. Medical school is so competitive. You really have to set yourself apart.”

According to Leonforde, demonstrating community commitment either locally or globally is becoming in­­creasingly important to employers.

The climate that we’re in now is calling for employers to be increasingly socially responsible as well as publicly accountable,” she said. “They are looking for people to bring into their team who have those values as well. Volunteering can demonstrate that people are community connected, globally aware, culturally savvy, and have political wherewithal.”

But don’t let your non-academic activities get carried away. Above all, students must still demonstrate that they can achieve strong marks, balancing the combined demands of non-academic activities and studies.

“The key,” says Fernandas, “is how do you manage yourself if you are going to take part in student life outside of academics?”