How to build your skills outside of the classroom | Vancouver Island University
With the fall semester in full swing, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus, meet new people, and learn a variety of new skills. Finding or navigating all of these valuable opportunities can be overwhelming.
This guide will help you streamline your search and focus on the competencies you want to focus on, no matter what program area you are from, year you are in, or interests They have!
Find out about events around the campus
Attending events or volunteering for events is a fun and stress-free way to make new friends and learn something new outside of your program area. Many VIU departments host events that subtly build your Graduate Attributes, the 21 core competencies that VIU aims to instill in all of our valued alumni. Visit the Campus Events website to find out what’s happening and how you can get involved.
Apply for a campus internship
Each semester, VIU offers hundreds of student employment opportunities across campus. These positions are available in most academic faculties and service departments, as well as in campus governance areas. Be sure to visit the Career Studio for advice on finding the right job and check out the job portal for VIU students, CareerVIU.
Join (or form!) a club or class union
The VIU Students’ Union (VIUSU) is your partner in building a community of people who share your passions and interests. All of VIU’s active clubs and course associations are student-run and governed by VIUSU, so they can help you get involved or start your own club. Whether you want to participate in activities hosted by a club or course association, or you want to get involved as a member of the executive board, this is a great opportunity for volunteers to create your resume and scholarship applications.
Register for conferences and competitions
Dozens of undergraduate and graduate conferences, symposiums, competitions and exhibitions are held throughout North America each year. Each year, VIU hosts the CREATE Conference, a competition and celebration of research activities involving students across the university, and the Vancouver Island Leadership Conference to build your leadership, professional networking, and advocacy skills. The VIU Office of Scholarships, Research and Creative Activities team also maintains a list of conferences that are available to students and resources to fund your attendance. So be sure to reach out to them!
Create your Co-Curricular Record (CCR)
The VIU Co-Curricular Record (CCR) is your official non-academic record of your engagement outside of the classroom. Activities that qualify for your CCR can be found in the VIU Opportunity Directory, a comprehensive database of volunteers and Paid jobs available at all VIU locations. The CCR is student-administered and housed in VIU’s Office of Co-Curricular Engagement and Learning. Be sure to check out their other programs too!
Use free online resources
Building personal or industry skills requires a lot of practice that cannot always be done in an academic setting. Whether you’re motivated to learn a new language, edit your own photos and videos, or become an expert at Excel, there’s likely a free resource that can help. Khan Academy offers easy-to-digest micro-lectures for many academic subjects, Duolingo offers interactive language learning lessons, LinkedIn Learning workshops are free for students employed by VIU, and Skillshare is a great place to explore hands-on, creative classes.
Samantha Allan is a first generation student of Indigenous and British descent with native roots throughout the province of BC. She is currently a Bachelor of Business Administration, Management major student at VIU and her long-term goal is to work in the fields of law and business development.