Volunteer activities can tell a prospective employer things about graduates that grades cannot

August 28, 2010

The Vancouver Sun

Laura Beeston is heading into her third year at Concordia University, where she's majoring in journalism, with a minor in women's studies.

But Beeston can't help thinking she does much of her practical learning outside the classroom. In a typical week, she'll spend at least 40 hours at The Link, the university's independent newspaper, where she is managing editor, interim graphics and interim online editor.

"I do everything from production and layout to planning parties."

Ordinarily, Beeston would graduate next spring, but she's now realized there's no way she could juggle a full course load and all the time she puts in at The Link.

"Looks like I'll be back for a victory lap."

Over at the Concordia Student Union, it's not unusual for senior executives to drop down to just one or two courses -- often in the early morning or late afternoon -- in order to make room for what can be a full day job of meetings, senate and planning committees and answering e-mails and phone calls from students.

Read the full article here.