A career is usually associated more with the occupation, vocation etc. that the person wants to pursue or is pursuing and thus a lot of focus is given to the academic education that the person may need to work in that field with expertise. Along with that the person is trained in soft skills and life skills to be able to handle difficult situations or to further enhance the way in which they perform at work.
However, whilst selecting Curriculum Vitae, there is a section of extracurricular activities and achievements which is also taken into consideration. Many often wonder what is the importance of these activities over the educational merit? Many new parents also put in great efforts to find new activities in which they can enroll their children. While many know the benefits of these activities for the children, let us see how they can be helpful in a person's career.
1. Time management:
Extracurricular activities need time and practice which a person has to balance along with their studies. To pursue these activities, one has to plan their day in a way where they manage school, school homework, the activity class, time for the preparation for that class, homework/ practice etc. This ensures that the person knows how to manage the available time throughout the day to complete the tasks which in turn ensures meeting deadlines.
2. Qualities:
Extracurricular activities enhance an individual's confidence, communication skills, discipline and require great determination and dedication. Organizations appreciate hard working, dedicated, disciplined employees. Even if one is self employed these qualities are required to set something for themselves.
3. Teamwork:
Extracurricular activities ensure that individuals understand sharing and delegating. It helps to enhance the communication and coordination between the team members. They give us an insight about the individual's leadership qualities as well. The chances of a person who has been active in extracurricular activity can have good leadership qualities if they have led some projects outside school.
4. Health :
Health includes both mental as well as physical health. Inculcating hobbies, extracurricular and continuing them in adult life can help an individual maintain a work life balance. If a person experiences stress at work these activities can act as stress busters. If a person is naturally sporty, it also ensures physical health and relaxation.
5. Alternate career options :
Some extracurricular activities can also provide an alternate career option. e.g. If a child is learning any of the arts, sports etc. It can help them have a side career (along with the current job/business), or it can help them while transitioning from one job to another etc. For example, a number of people lost their jobs during the pandemic. A lot of them who have learnt some extra activity other than their education, have had a chance to use their skills as a way of earning a livelihood. e.g. a passionate home baker started selling locally home baked products.
There are no guarantees for what one takes from acquiring knowledge or that all the individuals learning the same thing may show the same qualities or reap the same benefits. However, extracurricular activities do have a benefit that may be seen by the person or others in him/her and at some point they may be helpful for life.
It is important for parents to be observant towards their child's qualities, their choices, any other factors that might influence them. Whether the child is able to cope or is feeling a burden of it and then decide and choose what activities they want for their children. Consequently, it is a process of trial and error and patience, but the wellbeing of the child remains the top priority. It is important that the person enjoys it and is happy .