Universities must create an ecosystem that fosters resilience, encourages sustainability, supports innovation, and should be more oriented towards holistic development. In this regard, extracurricular activities have emerged as an important aspect for students and educational institutions to elevate candidates’ pedagogical experience. And that is why, most of the reputed universities in the world are not only focusing on academics but also providing outstanding extracurricular interests, which are regarded as a key aspect of the personality development of a student. These activities are not only entertaining, but they also aid in enhancing one’s talent and skills.
Extracurricular activities should be made a part and parcel of student activities. The monotony of mundane routines presented inside classrooms can be made livelier with extracurricular activities that also offer opportunities to students for their overall development.
Er. Koneru Satyanarayana, chancellor, KL Deemed to be University, shares some of the extracurricular activities that institutions can focus on not only in 2023 but also beyond.
Entrepreneurship Programs: According to the Government of India, India has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and is poised to witness year-on-year growth at a CAGR of 12-15%. As a result, universities should prioritise entrepreneurship programs in 2023 to help students develop the skills needed to start their own businesses or pursue entrepreneurial careers. Furthermore, to stay competitive in this era, the programs should include mentorship opportunities, access to funding, or workshops on market research, business planning, and financial management.
Creative Activities: In today’s changing world, extracurricular activities are not only imperative for developing skills specific to their career path but are also necessary for job success. Participating in extracurricular activities can be a great choice for students who want to pursue their dream job as creative enthusiasts. Students can also pursue their musical interests at the college level by joining bands, orchestras, and singing groups. As a result, artistic activities develop and prosper among the student.
Community Service: One of the most influential extracurricular activities that universities should prioritise in 2023 is community service, which allows students to gain real-world experience by improving local and global society. In fact, real-world experience is essential in a world where everything is changing at a breakneck pace. To prepare students to deal with obstacles, and give back to the community, and, most importantly, to create service experiences, institutions must encourage community service activities such as volunteering with a charity or non-profit organisation.
Management and Leadership Development Activities: It is an undeniable fact that leadership is a lesson that can be learned through practice. As a result, universities should emphasise leadership and management development programs to help students develop the skills necessary to confidently lead and manage their personal and professional lives.
These programs include communication, team-building, and conflict-resolution workshops, as well as opportunities for students to gain leadership experience through student clubs or organizations.
Technical Programs: In today’s digitally driven world, digital literacy is an essential skill for communicating, accessing, and managing information through computers and digital tools. Several organisations have incorporated technological innovation into their daily operations since the advent of digitalization. In this context, most employers expect job applicants to be digitally literate. To fulfill the new-age expectation of the corporate world, universities must encourage tech-related extracurricular activities, which will make students future-ready and readily absorbed in the job market.
Skilling and Certifications: Skilling and certification programs can add value to the academic achievements of students and raise their bar in the job market. Quality skilling programs can enhance the opportunities for employability for the current and future workforce. By acquiring a contemporary comprehensive set of skills and value-added certifications, the students can fetch an edge above others at both national and international levels.
In 2023, universities must prioritise a diverse range of extracurricular activities that foster personal and professional growth while providing a solid academic foundation. The importance of extracurricular activities stems from their ability to break the monotony of classroom learning and provide opportunities for exploration and development.
Universities should focus on aiding the students in developing essential skills, preparing them for a successful career, and developing well-rounded individuals capable of making a positive impact in the world.
