12 Extracurricular Activities That Make a Resume Stand Out

Curious about how to enhance your resume and put an end to those pesky rejection letters? 

We've got you covered! 

An experienced hiring professional reveals 12 impressive extracurricular activities that can set your resume apart from the competition when pursuing your dream job.

In today's competitive job market, having a well-rounded list of extracurricular activities can make all the difference. 

Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to make a career change, adding a variety of extracurricular activities to your resume can showcase your unique skills and interests. But with so many options, knowing which activities are worth your time and effort can be overwhelming.

In this blog post, we'll explore 12 extracurricular activities that can truly make your resume shine.  

We'll also discuss the importance of these activities in demonstrating essential qualities such as leadership, teamwork, initiative, and passion. 

So, if you're ready to take your resume to the next level and make a lasting impression on potential employers stay tuned for beneficial insights and practical tips to advance your professional profile. 

Get ready to stand out and make your mark in the professional world!

When crafting a resume, including extracurricular activities that showcase various skills, interests, and commitments is essential. 

Here are 12 extracurricular activities that can make your resume stand out:

1. Student Government

Participation in student government is a potent extracurricular activity that can distinguish a resume by highlighting a candidate's leadership skills. When you are involved in student government, you have a platform where you can influence decisions, advocate for your peers, and contribute to improving your school or college community.

The various roles within student government—from president to treasurer to committee member—require a range of competencies. Leadership is at the forefront, as student representatives are expected to lead by example and inspire others. An effective leader in this context could involve organizing events, managing budgets, or negotiating between interest groups.

Beyond leadership, student government positions demand solid problem-solving skills and often require participants to address complex issues. This may involve developing new policies to improve student life, addressing concerns related to campus facilities, or brainstorming ways to enhance academic resources available to the student body.

Working in a team is another critical aspect of student government. Members must collaborate closely with fellow students, faculty, and administration. This cooperation highlights teamwork abilities and often involves compromise and diplomatic communication skills. Efficient teamwork in student government results in the successful execution of events and initiatives that can benefit the school or university community.

Furthermore, these roles also demand reliability and time management. Balancing student government duties with academic and other responsibilities showcases an individual's ability to manage time effectively. This skill is highly respected in any professional setting, as it can indicate a person's capacity to handle workload and prioritize tasks.

Highlighting student government experience on a resume signals potential employers or admissions committees that the candidate has honed critical workplace competencies such as leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, time management, and a commitment to community service. It also provides concrete examples of the candidate taking on responsibilities that have real-world impact, which can be compelling evidence of their potential as an employee or student.

2. Volunteer Work/Community Service

Volunteer work or community service on a resume illustrates a person’s willingness to invest time and effort into causes that benefit others, which can reflect positively on their character and values. This type of extracurricular activity indicates a socially responsible and committed individual, and it can communicate several desirable traits to prospective employers or educational institutions.

Volunteering often requires organizational skills, as volunteers may need to manage events, coordinate with other team members, and handle resources effectively. These tasks demonstrate an individual's ability to see projects through, align with organizational goals, and execute tasks with attention to detail—qualities that are translatable to a professional environment.

Moreover, community service is a platform for individuals to develop and showcase their interpersonal skills. Interaction with diverse groups, whether fellow volunteers, service beneficiaries, or community leaders, requires empathy, effective communication, and the capability to work well with others. Exhibiting these traits can show a potential employer or school that the candidate is team-oriented and capable of constructive collaboration.

In many instances, volunteer activities also offer leadership opportunities. Whether someone is leading a fundraising campaign, directing a community clean-up, or organizing a charity event, these leadership experiences can be structured and explained on a resume to highlight project management skills, initiative, and the impact of one’s contributions.

Additionally, community service can demonstrate a candidate's passion for specific issues or causes, which may align with the values of the organizations they aspire to join. For example, volunteering at an animal shelter could appeal to organizations that value animal welfare, or helping at a food bank could resonate with companies focusing on social responsibility.

The diversity of volunteer experiences is vast, and whether they involve mentoring youth, contributing to environmental conservation, or assisting at local shelters, these activities can help differentiate a resume by underscoring a candidate's proactive nature and civic-mindedness. Importantly, detailing specific achievements or projects within volunteer roles can further solidify the impact and relevance of these experiences for the resume reader.

3. Athletics (Varsity Sports)

Involvement in varsity sports can be a compelling addition to a resume, offering proof of a potential employee's or student's commitment, discipline, and ability to balance multiple priorities. When recruiters or admissions officers see a candidate who has participated in athletics at a competitive level, they are likely to associate this with valuable transferable skills in various settings.

Athletics demand a high level of dedication and time management. Athletes must often juggle rigorous training schedules with academic responsibilities, so they typically become proficient at organizing their time and prioritizing tasks. This ability to manage time effectively is a desirable quality in any professional role, as it suggests that the individual can handle the demands of their job while meeting deadlines and maintaining performance standards.

Team sports, in particular, highlight an individual's capacity for teamwork. They require athletes to work cohesively with others towards a shared goal, often under significant pressure. This experience underscores a candidate's interpersonal skills, such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution—essential for a harmonious and productive workplace.

Competitiveness is another critical attribute honed in varsity sports. Athletes strive to win and constantly improve, showing resilience and determination. A competitive spirit can be an asset in many career fields, driving an individual to achieve targets, outperform expectations, and seek continuous self-improvement.

Leadership is a further quality that varsity athletes may be called upon to demonstrate. Team captains or players taking on leadership roles showcase their ability to motivate and guide others, make strategic decisions, and set a positive example. Leadership in sports often translates well into the workplace, where such skills can elevate an individual's potential for management and supervisory roles.

Incorporating athletics into a resume also speaks to an individual's physical fitness and health. This aspect can be particularly relevant for roles requiring stamina, agility, or a representation of wellness initiatives. Maintaining peak physical condition reflects well on a candidate's commitment to excellence.

When detailing athletics on a resume, it's beneficial to emphasize the relevant soft skills (e.g., teamwork, leadership, time management) and any significant achievements, such as winning championships or breaking records. These specifics can provide a more vivid and relatable context for the employer or admissions committee, allowing them to appreciate the depths of the candidate's athletic involvement and the potential benefits it could bring to the role or academic program.

4. Debate Club / Model United Nations

Participation in a Debate Club or Model United Nations (MUN) can significantly enhance a resume by demonstrating a candidate’s strong communication and analytical skills. These extracurricular activities involve understanding complex topics, constructing coherent arguments, and engaging in persuasive public speaking.

Involvement in a Debate Club suggests that an individual is articulate and can think critically and form logical arguments. Debaters must research extensively, understand various perspectives, and prepare evidence-based arguments. Thus, this activity highlights an individual's preparedness to delve into detailed research and their capacity for critical thinking — skills highly valued in many academic and professional settings.

Model United Nations has a similar skill-building focus with the added dimension of simulating diplomatic negotiations and international relations processes. Participants in MUN take on the roles of diplomats representing various countries, engaging in debates and discussions regarding global issues. This experience fosters a deep understanding of international affairs, diplomacy, and the workings of the United Nations.

Both Debate Club and MUN place a premium on effective communication. Students must convey their points persuasively and confidently to others, which involves public speaking skills that are advantageous in virtually any career. The ability to express complex ideas effectively is crucial in roles that require negotiation, client interactions, presentations, or teaching.

Additionally, these activities develop an individual’s capacity for teamwork and collaboration. Debates and MUN conferences are not solitary endeavors; they require working with fellow team members to prepare cases and strategies and collaborating with participants from other schools or institutions. This aspect demonstrates that the individual can work productively in group settings and navigate the intricacies of cooperative efforts.

Leadership is another critical component honed through the Debate Club and MUN. Participants often have chances to lead teams, organize events, or assume the position of chairperson in mock sessions. These leadership roles reveal a person's ability to guide a group, make decisions, and foster a collaborative environment — qualities directly transferable to workplace leadership roles.

Students often develop a nuanced understanding of global issues through Debate Club and Model United Nations. This knowledge can be particularly relevant for careers in international relations, law, politics, academia, or any field that values global awareness and the ability to consider matters from an international perspective.

A resume detailing the experiences gained from Debate Club and MUN — such as specific competitions participated in, awards won, or leadership roles held — can provide concrete examples of the skills described above. Such detailed accounts help potential employers or admissions committees gauge the depth of the candidate’s engagement and the development of their capabilities through these intellectually rigorous activities.

5. Academic Clubs (Math Club, Science Olympiad)

Participation in academic clubs like a Math Club or Science Olympiad can be instrumental in demonstrating a candidate's intellectual curiosity, expertise in subject areas, and ability to engage with academic content beyond the classroom. Being involved in extracurricular activities indicates a desire for knowledge and an ambition to excel academically.

Academic club members often participate in competitions that require rigorous preparation, an in-depth understanding of the material, and the application of complex concepts. In Math Club, for example, students might tackle advanced problems that go well beyond standard coursework, showing proficiency and enthusiasm for mathematics. In Science Olympiad, individuals engage in various events encompassing a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines, from biology and chemistry to engineering and astronomy. Being involved in these competitions demonstrates subject-matter expertise and analytical thinking.

Participation in such clubs also often involves collaborative learning and teamwork as members prepare for competitions and work on various projects together. This collaborative environment lets students develop their interpersonal skills by exchanging ideas, teaching one another, and solving problems collectively. Team success in these clubs is a function of individual prowess and the ability to work effectively with others, a critical skill in any work setting.

In academic clubs, leadership opportunities abound. Students may take on roles such as club president, treasurer, or event organizer, which allows them to develop management skills, budgeting experience, and organizational capabilities. These roles require a level of responsibility and initiative, as student leaders usually oversee the planning of events, coordination of club meetings, and sometimes manage fundraising efforts for their group.

Furthermore, academic clubs foster the development of a growth mindset as participants often learn from failure and overcome challenges. Preparing for and participating in academic competitions teaches resilience, as students must adapt and refine their approaches based on previous outcomes and feedback. This quality particularly appeals to potential employers and educational institutions, as it suggests an individual's capacity for continuous improvement and adaptability.

When highlighting involvement in academic clubs on a resume, it is advantageous to detail specific achievements (e.g., awards won, leadership positions held, or distinctive projects led) and articulate how the experience fostered personal growth and academic excellence. For a prospective employer or admissions office, such a detailed account can solidify the candidate's extracurricular experiences' value and underscore the skills they have cultivated through active engagement in intellectual pursuits.

6. Music, Drama, and Arts

Engagement in music, drama, and the arts as extracurricular activities can substantially benefit a resume by showing off a candidate's creative talents and teamwork. These fields require dedication to practice, a capacity for self-expression, and a level of discipline transferrable to many professional environments.

Music, whether instrumental or vocal, demands consistent practice, performance under pressure, and often the ability to read and interpret complex compositions. Involvement in music groups or orchestras also signifies that an individual can harmonize with others to achieve a collective goal, which is a direct metaphor for working effectively within a team. Leadership roles like section leader or band captain further imply a potential to lead and manage groups.

Drama and theater participation showcases an individual's ability to step into various roles, understand different perspectives, and display empathy — much like adapting to different roles within a job. It also requires memorization of lines and cues, attention to timing, and delivering performances that resonate with an audience. Drama club members or theater participants often work behind the scenes, managing costumes, sets, and technical aspects, thus exhibiting diverse skills and adaptability.

Art such as painting, sculpture, or digital media demonstrate a candidate's originality and visual communication skills. Art creation also involves a process of critique and refinement, teaching students resilience and the ability to accept and act on constructive feedback. The technical skills acquired through art, such as understanding design principles and proficiency with art-related software or tools, can be particularly relevant in creative industries.

Leadership within these disciplines can range from directing a play or conducting an orchestra to leading an art project or workshop. Such roles indicate an individual's capacity to envision a project, organize resources, and lead a group toward a successful artistic outcome. This ability to manage and inspire a team is highly valued in creative fields and other sectors.

By participating in music, drama, and the arts, students often engage in public performances or exhibitions, which means they are likely accustomed to public scrutiny and have built the confidence to present themselves and their work to an audience. This level of public engagement can enhance communication skills and self-confidence, applicable in any public-facing role or when presentation skills are required.

On a resume, detailing the nature of artistic involvement, specific roles played, exhibits participated in, or accolades received gives depth to an applicant's experience and highlights the valuable qualities gained through the arts. It conveys to potential employers or academic institutions that the candidate has developed a rich set of skills, a creative and problem-solving mindset, and a proven ability to work cooperatively on complex projects.

7. Internships

Internships are vital to a resume, particularly for students and early-career professionals, as they provide tangible proof of real-world experience and practical skills in a specific field or industry. When you include internships on a resume, it's clear evidence that you have taken the initiative to gain exposure to professional work settings and have begun building a foundation of practical expertise beyond academic knowledge.

Internships offer the opportunity to apply classroom-taught theories to actual work tasks, often leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This process helps interns assimilate textbook principles with real-life applications. For example, a marketing student may learn about consumer behavior theories in class. Still, through an internship, they can see firsthand how these concepts are applied in developing advertising campaigns or analyzing market research data.

Internships provide valuable networking opportunities, connecting you with industry professionals. Building a professional network through internships can lead to mentorships, references, and job offers. Listing an internship on a resume implies that the candidate has acquired workplace culture, professionalism, and team collaboration skills, giving them an edge over their peers.

Moreover, interns often engage in meaningful projects that contribute to the organization's goals, which is an experience that can be referenced on a resume to illustrate a proven track record of providing results. Whether it's improving a process, contributing to a project, or increasing company efficiency, these accomplishments are concrete examples of a candidate's capability to add value to an organization.

Describing the context of the work, the skills applied, and the outcomes can significantly impact the perception of your readiness and suitability for a potential job. Internships underscore a proactive approach to career development and serve as a bridge between theoretical learning and professional doing.

8. Foreign Language Clubs or Study Abroad

Participating in foreign language clubs or studying abroad programs is a valuable extracurricular activity to include on a resume, as it highlights several vital attributes desirable to employers and educational institutions.

Being involved in foreign language clubs demonstrates a commitment to expanding one’s linguistic capabilities beyond basic conversational skills. It signals an interest in not only language but also the associated cultures. Mastering a new language requires patience, dedication, and cognitive flexibility. Regular interaction in a language club setting can enhance proficiency and provide an understanding of cultural nuances, particularly beneficial in our increasingly globalized world. This skill is essential for companies operating internationally or serving diverse communities, as they value effective communication with customers and colleagues from different backgrounds.

Studying abroad stands out on a resume as it represents an individual’s willingness to step out of their convenience zone and immerse themselves in a new environment. This experience fosters independence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. When a student chooses to study abroad, they gain academic knowledge from different educational systems and develop their intercultural communication skills. They learn to navigate and adapt to different societal norms, which can translate into an ability to manage change and diversity in the workplace.

Study abroad programs also lend themselves to personal growth. They often require students to be resourceful and resilient as they overcome language barriers, homesickness, and unfamiliar educational formats. These life skills are transferable to any career and indicate a well-rounded and resourceful individual.

Both language club participation and study abroad experiences can be leveraged on a resume to highlight one's initiative in acquiring new skills, readiness to embrace diversity, and capability to succeed in dynamic environments. When capturing these experiences, focus on specific achievements, language competencies gained, and personal development highlights to illustrate the tangible benefits these activities have contributed to your skillset and overall character.

9. Publications (Newspaper, Literary Magazine)

Involvement in publications, such as contributing to a school newspaper or a literary magazine, is worth listing on a resume. Participation in these publications signifies several strengths and skills transferable to various professional settings.

Firstly, working on a publication typically requires strong written communication skills. Whether reporting, writing opinion pieces, conducting interviews, or creating literary works, the ability to clearly and compellingly convey ideas is crucial. These skills reflect a person’s capacity to articulate thoughts coherently, an asset in nearly every professional field.

Additionally, contributing to a publication often involves collaboration and teamwork. Individuals usually work as part of an editorial team that collectively decides content, design, and distribution. This process shows a candidate's ability to engage in group dynamics, respect deadlines, and potentially handle differing opinions diplomatically. It also may involve compromise and the harmonization of individual talents to produce a coherent final product.

Being involved in these sorts of extracurricular activities also suggests a person has good time management skills. Balancing the responsibilities of producing regular content for publications with academic and possibly other extracurricular commitments indicates a candidate can prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively.

Moreover, if you have held an editorial position or led a team within the publication, it showcases leadership abilities. Leadership in this context might involve managing a team, making decisions about content, and ensuring the publication meets quality standards and deadlines, all of which are valuable leadership experiences.

Involvement in publications can also indicate attention to detail and a commitment to quality work. Producing written content suitable for public consumption often requires multiple rounds of editing and revising, which can hone a person’s eye for detail and patience in the revision process.

On a resume, involvement in publications can be detailed with specifics about your role, the skills you developed, and any particular achievements, such as increasing readership, introducing successful new columns, or winning awards for the publication or individual contributions. These details can significantly enhance your resume by highlighting the activities you have participated in and the impact you have made through those activities.

10. Robotics Club/Tech Competitions

Participation in a Robotics Club or competing in Tech Competitions add significant value to a resume because they demonstrate a practical application of technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Individuals pursuing STEM careers will find these activities compelling. They also highlight valuable soft skills applicable across diverse industries.

Being part of a Robotics Club often requires interdisciplinary collaboration among members with varying expertise, including design, programming, and engineering. Working together towards common goals, such as building a functional robot for a competition, showcases the ability to integrate concepts from different fields and apply them in a concrete, hands-on project. This kind of teamwork reflects the workplace environments of many tech companies, where cross-functional teams are familiar and collaboration is critical to innovation.

Competing in Tech Competitions highlights a person's drive, competitive spirit, and proficiency in technical skills. These events are typically pressure-filled and test participants' critical thinking abilities and solving complex problems under time constraints. Achieving success in such competitions is a testament to one's technical acumen and strategic thinking.

Technical skills gained from these experiences include programming, mechanical design, electrical engineering, and systems integration. However, it's not just the hard skills that make these extracurriculars stand out. The problem-solving process involved in these activities emphasizes creativity and adaptability - participants must often troubleshoot issues on the spot and iterate on their designs.

Involvement in these activities also strengthens project management skills. Students must plan, execute, and refine their projects over time, often with limited resources, which mirrors the project life cycle in a professional environment. Successfully managing a project within a Robotics Club or for a Tech Competition can entail setting timelines, delegating tasks, and ensuring that milestones are met.

On a resume, providing context and detailing one's role in Robotics Club projects or Tech Competitions is crucial. Mention specific technologies or methodologies used, outline the scope of the projects, and quantify achievements, such as winning places or surpassing particular benchmarks. Also, discuss the broader skills you developed, such as leadership, communication, and time management. Highlighting these points will make for a compelling narrative that paints a picture of a dynamic, technically proficient problem solver who is well-prepared for the challenges of the contemporary workforce.

11. Entrepreneurial Endeavors/Startups

The involvement in entrepreneurial endeavors or startups is an excellent addition to a resume, as this experience underscores various engaging qualities and skills that employers and academic programs often hold in high regard. These activities showcase an individual's ability to identify opportunities, think innovatively, and take the initiative to bring a vision to life. It signals the reader that the candidate is proactive, resourceful, and capable of critical thinking.

Entrepreneurship often involves starting a new project or business from scratch, which requires broad skills encompassing market research, product development, marketing strategy, sales, financial planning, and management. By successfully setting up and running a startup, an individual can wear multiple hats and balance diverse aspects of business operation, often in the face of limited resources and high uncertainty. Even if a startup venture isn't traditionally successful, the learning experience and the resilience gained from overcoming challenges are invaluable.

Moreover, when undertaking an entrepreneurial venture, they exhibit a high tolerance for risk and a comfort with uncertainty. These traits are essential in dynamic fields or constantly evolving industries. The capacity to manage and thrive in such environments appeals to potential employers, suggesting an employee who can help the company navigate and adapt to change.

Engaging in startup projects also suggests strong leadership skills, including inspiring others, building teams, and guiding a group toward shared goals. Leading a new enterprise necessitates making difficult decisions, persistently solving problems, and frequently communicating with stakeholders, from buyers and investors to employees and partners.

In a resume, you must communicate what you did in your entrepreneurial endeavors or startup experience, highlighting the skills developed and the value created. Include specifics, such as how you identified a market need, the steps you took to address that need, any innovative solutions you provided, and metrics that may illustrate the growth or impact of your venture, such as revenue generated or user acquisition figures.

Even if your startup experience was short-lived or you encountered failures, articulating what you learned and how it made you a more capable professional can be compelling. It speaks to your growth mindset and ability to derive value from diverse experiences—attributes increasingly sought after in a rapidly changing job market.

12. Leadership in Fraternities/Sororities or Other Organizations

Participation in the leadership of Greek Life or other campus organizations often involves various complex responsibilities. You might coordinate events, manage budgets, lead community service initiatives, or oversee the organization's strategic planning. These roles require practical organizational skills, the ability to manage finances, and a talent for event planning—all of which are desirable competencies in the eyes of potential employers.

Leadership within these organizations indicates a candidate's experience with people management and conflict resolution. As a leader, you would likely have motivated your peers, navigated interpersonal disputes, and fostered a positive organizational culture. Such experiences can translate into solid team-building abilities in a professional setting, where working harmoniously with others and leading teams is an everyday reality.

Moreover, being involved in philanthropic activities through these organizations highlights a candidate’s sense of social responsibility and commitment to community engagement. Being able to mobilize groups for cause-related ventures shows vision, compassion, and drive—traits that companies often look for in their employees, particularly those who will be in client-facing roles or part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

On a resume, when highlighting your leadership in fraternities, sororities, or similar groups, detail the tasks you managed, the events you organized, and the goals you achieved. For example, outlining how you led a team to raise funds for a charity can provide a concrete example of your leadership in action. It can be beneficial to quantify these achievements (e.g., "Managed a budget of $X," "Increased membership by Y%," or "Raised $Z for a local charity") to give potential employers a clear sense of the scope and impact of your leadership.

However, it's important to remember that while such experiences can be impressive, they must be presented professionally on a resume. Opt for detailing what you've learned and how the experience has prepared you for future challenges in the workplace. This ensures that the focus remains on the transferable skills and personal growth that resulted from your involvement rather than the social aspects of Greek life or other collegiate organizations.

Remember to focus on the outcomes and skills acquired when listing these extracurricular activities rather than just participation. Craft your resume to fit the job position description, emphasizing the most relevant activities.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, extracurricular activities can significantly enhance a resume and make it stand out to possible employers. Engaging in volunteering, leadership roles, sports, arts, or academic clubs demonstrates a well-rounded and dynamic personality. These experiences highlight valuable skills such as teamwork, time management, communication, and commitment, which are highly sought after by employers. By showcasing these activities on a resume, individuals can set themselves apart from the competition and showcase their dedication to personal growth and development. Overall, incorporating a diverse range of extracurricular activities can significantly contribute to a well-rounded and impressive resume.