Life beyond the classroom

9/28/2012 - Begin with more than 110 student organizations.

Add approximately 650 first-year Kellogg students.

Mix inside the Donald P. Jacobs Center and let the energy cook for two hours.

Such was the hearty concoction produced on Sept. 20 at the Class of 2014 Club Fair, an annual event spotlighting the diverse array of extracurricular opportunities available to incoming Kellogg students.

“Student organizations function as an exchange of experiences and supplement the collaborative environment that makes Kellogg such a great place to be,” Kellogg Student Association (KSA) executive team member Matt Langsen ’13 said.

Offerings galore

Filling the Jacobs Center atrium, hallway and student lounge were representatives from professionally-focused clubs like the Entrepreneurship Club and the Real Estate Club. There were also cultural and affinity clubs, such as the Hispanic Management Association and India Business Club; impact clubs, such as the Neighborhood Business Initiative; and social clubs addressing everything from personal sustainability to faith.

There were sports clubs covering activities from triathlon to rugby; special events, including the Charity Auction Ball and Casino Ball; and more than a dozen student-led conferences and Kellogg administrative offices.

First-year student Avi Kreimer ’14 attended the event eager to learn about the Jewish Business Club as well as the technology, consulting and soccer clubs.

“There’s so much practical value in meeting new people and forming bonds with others who share similar interests,” Kreimer said.

The benefits of involvement

Heath Hunter ’13 attended the fair as a representative of Kellogg PAWS, the club for Kellogg pet owners. He called this his “fun club” and a “balance” to his involvement in more career-focused groups — the Private Equity & Venture Capital (PEVC) Club and the Public Speaking Club.

“[The PEVC Club] has forced me to make connections and build relationships in an area of professional interest, while the Public Speaking Club has allowed me to develop a hard skill valuable in business and life,” Hunter said.

Second-year student Nick Madden’s membership in the Texas Business Club led him to a mentor in Dallas, while his involvement in Brew n’ Q, the Honor Code committee and KWEST (Kellogg Worldwide Experiences and Service Trips) has provided opportunities to connect with Kellogg students, alumni and administrators.

“These experiences and relationships are a direct result of being involved outside of the classroom,” Madden said.

Tarra Thomas ’13 said her role as Black Management Association co-president has broadened her managerial toolkit.

“I’ve learned how to lead leaders, shape strategy and take an idea to development by motivating others,” said Thomas, who is also a member of the Consulting Club, a KSA Alumni Relations representative and DAK (Day at Kellogg) leader.


Further reading
 
Leadership opportunities abound: 'There’s so much more to being here than academics,' second-year students tell those just starting at Kellogg