Importance of Involvement and Student Organizations

By: Sam Marshall

College is all about learning as much as you can in the short time that you are here.

Oftentimes, many students just go though courses as quickly as possible to earn their degree.

One aspect of college that is overlooked by many students is on-campus involvement and

student organizations. Exploring student organizations is crucial to student development and

creating the best possible collegiate experience.

Participation in student organizations gives students the opportunity to grow outside of

the classroom in many different ways. Developing leadership skills, teamwork and other

communication skills are a few examples of the many things to gain from being involved.

Students can gain experiences that help them become well-rounded individuals and grow their skill sets that, in turn, will create more successful professional careers and personal lives in the future.

Student organizations also serve as a place to build communities and meaningful

connections with peers. It is extremely beneficial to be surrounded by those who share the

same interests and passions. These connections not only allow students to create a larger

network but also create valuable career opportunities in the future. In PR specifically, it is often said that it is not about what you know but rather who you know.

When I came to Texas Tech University, I chose to immerse myself as much as possible in

regard to on-campus involvement. I started with an organization called the Tech Sport

Management Group. This organization focuses on professional development relating to the

sport management industry. I was on the executive board for a few years and was able to learn and implement so many different skills that I did not previously have. I then dove deeper into my current major when joining the Public Relations Student Society of America - Texas Tech Chapter. This group has given me the opportunity to gain more insights in the PR industry while simultaneously helping me formulate a plan for my post-grad career. I then began to develop a passion for PR and chose to apply for RaiderComm. This is Texas Tech’s student-run PR firm that works with real-world clients. I am currently practicing day-to-day agency operations while exploring many different aspects of the PR industry. Working with a few different clients has given me the opportunity to learn so many new things and build meaningful connections with those around me.

Being involved with on-campus groups and organizations is one of the best decisions a

student can make during their short time in college. Students can not only enrich their own lives but also contribute to growing communities for future generations