For years, students have been told that earning strong grades is the clearest path to standing out after college.
And while academic performance still matters, a recent conversation I had with a professor in Human Resources who had just returned from a national consortium of hiring managers suggests that many employers are evolving how they evaluate recent graduates.
Their takeaway was simple:
While GPA still plays a role, hiring managers are placing increased weight on whether students have demonstrated the ability to work with others, take initiative, and contribute meaningfully to a team. In other words, they are looking for evidence of people skills — and those are not always reflected on a transcript.
GPA Still Matters — But It’s Not the Only Signal
Encourage your student to take their academics seriously. GPA remains an important signal of discipline and subject-matter understanding.
But once students meet a baseline level of academic competence, employers often begin looking for additional indicators of workplace readiness — particularly whether a student has had opportunities to collaborate with others and take ownership of responsibilities. Many of those experiences take place outside the classroom.
A Practical Starting Point: Follow Their Interests
One of the simplest, lowest-barrier ways for students to begin developing these skills is by joining a student organization that aligns with something they already enjoy. This might include:
- A professional association related to their major
- A service or volunteer organization
- A cultural or faith-based group
- A club centered around a hobby or shared interest
- An academic or competition-based team
Following an existing interest is often a good place to start because students are more likely to stay engaged with something they genuinely enjoy. Consistency matters more than perfection — and sustained involvement often leads to opportunities for greater responsibility over time.
From Participation to Responsibility
After becoming familiar with a group, students can look for ways to contribute beyond attendance. Encourage your student to ask:
- Is there a committee I can join?
- Can I help plan an event or initiative?
- Is there a small project that needs a volunteer?
These types of contributions provide early experience in working toward shared goals and meeting commitments within a team.
As students gain familiarity and confidence, they may consider pursuing officer or leadership roles in future semesters. Positions such as secretary, treasurer, or committee chair can offer structured opportunities to practice organization, communication, and accountability.
Making Involvement Work Alongside Academics
Students sometimes hesitate to get involved, concerned that it will take time away from coursework. Encourage your student to begin with one manageable commitment rather than trying to do too much at once. Attending a weekly meeting or helping with a single project can be a reasonable starting point.
Over time, students can adjust their level of involvement based on their academic schedule and other responsibilities.
Coaching the First Step
If your student is unsure where to begin, consider asking:
- Have you attended your school’s club fair or activities showcase?
- Is there a group connected to your interests or future career goals?
- Would you be willing to attend one meeting this month to learn more?
Taking a small initial step can make it easier to build confidence and identify opportunities for meaningful participation.
Final Thought:
Academic success remains an important part of the college experience. But as employer expectations evolve, involvement in student organizations and campus initiatives can offer students practical opportunities to develop collaboration and leadership skills alongside their coursework.
As a simple next step, consider asking your student this week whether there is one club or organization that aligns with their interests — and encourage them to attend a meeting to learn more.
You’ve got this, Coach!
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