The Career Value of Student Leadership Experience
Being on the executive team of a university club is a crash course in adaptability. You learn how to juggle competing priorities, work professionally alongside fellow students (who quickly become friends), and figure things out as you go. However, these challenges also come with some of the most valuable learning experiences - the kind you can’t get from a lecture hall. Here are the biggest lessons I’ve learnt during my time as Marketing Director at SavY, and why I know they’ll stick with me long after I graduate.
Translating Theory to Real Life
One of the best things about being in a leadership role at a student club? You just figure it out. Studying at university is one thing, but applying what I’ve learnt in the real world is another. In my role as Marketing Director, I have to translate everything I learn in class about target audiences, branding strategies, and integrated marketing campaigns into real-life work. I’m sure my professors will be thrilled to hear that I apply what they teach me. To provide a simple example, I always ask myself: Who are we trying to reach? What’s the goal? How do we measure success? Using this foundational knowledge from my courses, I can create marketing campaigns with clear objectives.
However, nothing prepared me for how much I have to figure out on the job. No textbook or lecturer tells you exactly what your audience will respond to, how long it actually takes to create good content, or how many times you have to tweak a post before it performs well. You learn by testing, adjusting, and sometimes failing. It’s a constant process of trial and error, analysing results, and adapting. That’s what makes real-world experience so valuable - learning to problem-solve in real time, trust your instincts, and refine your strategy based on what works.
Managing Time When There’s Never Enough
Juggling SavY alongside university, work, and life has honed my time management skills. There’s always another deadline, another obligation, or another task on the to-do list. I’ve had to prioritise, delegate, and stay organised - all of which are essential skills in any career. I have also learnt that being busy doesn’t mean being productive. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came from stepping back, reassessing priorities, and focusing on what actually moves the needle. Instead of trying to do everything, I’ve realised it’s best to assess and focus on what matters most at any given time.
Networking Isn’t as Scary as It Seems
As an executive, I get to represent SavY at events with external sponsors and connect with professionals. At first, networking felt intimidating, but over time, I have learnt that it’s just about being approachable, finding common ground, and building relationships. You don’t have to have your CV in one hand and your LinkedIn account in the other; people enjoy genuine conversations far more than a sales pitch. Now that I’ve had some practice, I feel way more confident in professional settings - whether it’s reaching out for job opportunities, making industry connections, or even just having conversations with people I admire.
Finding Inspiration, Not Comparison, in Your Peers
One of the best parts of being on the executive team at SavY has been working alongside a group of like-minded, driven people who also happen to be my friends. However, being surrounded by talented, motivated people can be both inspiring and intimidating. When I first joined the executive team at SavY, I sometimes caught myself thinking, “Wow, everyone here is so capable - do I belong? What can I bring to the table?”
But over time, I realised that instead of comparing myself to my peers, I could learn from them. Watching my fellow execs bring ideas to life, handle challenges with confidence, and push the organisation forward has inspired me to step up my own game. I’ve learned to celebrate others’ strengths instead of feeling threatened by them, and to see my own growth in the process. We all bring different skills to the table - whether it’s strategic thinking, public speaking, problem-solving, or leadership - and that’s what makes our team truly effective.
At the end of the day, we’re all figuring things out together. Instead of competition, there’s collaboration. Instead of self-doubt, there’s growth. And instead of comparison, there’s inspiration. While I’m sure I will find myself in plenty of situations where the impostor syndrome creeps back in, I now know that it is possible to quiet that voice and turn a negative thought into a positive one. That is something I’ll carry with me long after my time at SavY.
Speaking Up and Owning My Ideas
Before this role, I used to hesitate before sharing my ideas in group projects. But when you’re in a leadership position, you have to back yourself and see the value in your own unique perspective. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that confidence doesn’t mean always being right - it means being willing to contribute. Sometimes my ideas work, and sometimes they don’t, but putting them forward sparks discussion, refines strategies, and moves things forward. I’ve also realised that the team doesn’t expect perfect ideas; they value open dialogue, constructive feedback, and collaboration.
Looking Ahead
For anyone considering taking on a leadership position in a student club, do it. It’s challenging, but the lessons you learn and the confidence you gain are absolutely worth it. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your hard work make an impact. In fact, one of the most rewarding things about being in SavY is seeing our work actually help students. It has helped me realise that no matter where my career takes me, I want to be part of something that creates positive change.
Opinion by Danielle Ouwehand