Joining a club or society is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and it looks fantastic on your CV. Irish Country Living talked to some people who got involved in extra curriculars in college.

Denise Coughlan

Macroom, Cork

Denise served as communications officer for UCC’s student union from 2003/2004, while completing a degree in English and sociology. She now works in corporate PR in Sydney, Australia.

“When I started college my brother was very active in college societies and that kicked off my awareness. I joined a few different groups because I thought it would be a great way of meeting new people.

“I was studying Arts and I needed some direction in terms of options after college. I was communications officer and auditor for a few societies and I wrote for and sub-edited the student newspaper, UCC Express.

“I took a sabbatical to be the communications officer for the student union between second and third year, editing the newspaper and overseeing communications for the student union.

“The role gave me a great insight into what it’s like to work with people. It was a demanding job as I had to get a 16-page publication out every week and there was no room for error.

“After my year in the communications office, I was able to decide what I wanted to do. I interviewed for the master’s in PR and journalism, opting for PR in DIT. I was able to face those meetings confident in my skills and experience.

“To be honest, I don’t know what I would be doing now if it wasn’t for my year as a sabbatical officer. Having an active role in a club or society during college shows commitment and drive, which comes into play in the careers market.

“But first and foremost, clubs and socs are supposed to be fun. The friendships I made in college have lasted a lifetime.”

Jimmy Brett

MD, Brett Brothers, Kilkenny

Jimmy was auditor of UCD’s Ag Soc in 1975.

“Back then, Ag Soc was a debating society where we discussed the agriculture industry, politics and other subjects. Lots of vibrant debate went on. Like all societies, we also had lot of social events.

“Taking a leading role in a society when you’re young is a great experience. I dealt with key people in the agriculture industry and developed strong communication skills. I started my career as a radio presenter and producer with RTÉ and worked there for five years. I wouldn’t have gotten that job if it wasn’t for the public speaking experience I gained through Ag Soc.

“I remember inviting Erskine Childers to speak at one of our meetings and couldn’t believe it when he accepted the invitation. I’ll never forget it.

“Back then, the President of Ireland did not leave Phoenix Park. He was going to be the first President to visit UCD and it was going to be a huge event. History was going to be made, but unfortunately he died a few weeks before he was due to visit.

“There is a vast array of societies that students can join in college. Let your interests guide you – if you have an interest in drama, join the drama society.

“I think it’s important for undergraduates to engage in a society. Moving from the country to the city and not knowing anyone in the lecture hall can be intimidating, but joining a club is a good way to make friends. If you get stuck in, societies can be very time-consuming, but learning how to balance work and your social life is important.

“As an employer, I’m impressed by applicants who take part in activities outside of college. It’s healthy and shows the ability to adapt. Academic achievements are quite similar across the board since most people go to college.

“Agri employers love an adaptable person who is able to show a good level of enthusiasm, ambition and communication skills.”

Fame and fun

Dara O’Briain was the auditor of UCD’s Literary and Historical Society and co-founder and co-editor of the University Observer newspaper.

He studied maths and theoretical physics in college, but also had a flair for languages, winning the Irish Times National Debating Championship and the Irish Times/Gael Linn National Irish Language Debating Championship in 1994.

UCC’s drama society, known as Dramatac, boasts a well-known alumni. Cillian Murphy, Graham Norton and Fiona Shaw – the latter was the only one to finish her degree.

Enda Kenny, who studied Arts, was a founding member of the NUI Galway chapter of Young Fine Gael in 1973, when Liam Cosgrave led a Fine Gael/Labour coalition government. The group now has over 3,000 members.