SOHAIL: 'Resume boosters' are harmful
Column: Nohman's Nuances
Two weeks ago, I stopped by the Douglass Student Center on Douglass campus for a break between classes. Before entering, I noticed what seemed to be a student activist organization building a stand complete with masks, flags, microphones and tablecloths. After eating two slices of pizza and a brownie, which took me around 30 minutes, I left the same way I had entered to find the exact same organization already deconstructing its stand.
Confused, I approached and asked the masked individual folding the tablecloth if the group was told to leave the premises. He lifted his head slightly and told me that there was no event. They needed a picture of the stand on every campus for their Instagram. He went on to say that the main stand on the College Avenue campus was well-attended, and they felt no need to host an event on Douglass campus.
I cannot speculate as to the group's exact intentions, but — for lack of a more formal expression — the interaction rubbed me the wrong way.
It may have been a way for them to feign involvement, avoid sanctions and remain in whichever organization they were a part of, but to me, it seemed like a classic case of an otherwise altruistic endeavor being used to exaggerate accomplishment. This seemed like another example of Rutgers students doing an activity for the sake of saying, "I did that!" to their friends or on their resumes.
The race to build the perfect resume has reached a point where it is preventing us from exploring our true passions and unleashing our creativity. It creates pressure to secure internships and leadership positions, often leading students to prioritize activities solely for their resume-building potential.
Thus, many Rutgers students find themselves caught in a whirlwind of extracurricular activities that they see as "resume boosters," even if those activities do not resonate with their true interests. Chasing a well-rounded resume, filled with impressive titles and grand charitable undertakings, leads to a disconnect between students and the activities they engage in. This hinders the development of a deep and meaningful connection with their pursuits.
I nearly fell victim to the same phenomenon at the start of my first year at Rutgers. Eyeing a career in law, I jumped from interest meeting to interest meeting, scouring any organization that remotely pertained to attorneyship or legal practice. I was worried that if I did not create an illustrious list of achievements in my undergraduate experience, then I would be viewed unfavorably by graduate schools and lose career opportunities.
Not only was I stretching myself too thin, but the quality of my work dramatically decreased in my courses and each organization I involved myself in. It ended in a series of application withdrawals and missed deadlines that worsened my mental health even further.
My creativity also fell victim to the resume rat race. I tended to shy away from exploring unconventional interests that may not have aligned with traditional ideas of success. The fear of being perceived as unserious or unfocused by recruiters stifled my ability to express myself and pursue my talents. Unfortunately, this lack of creativity may follow into graduate school and a future career, leading to unpreparedness in the real world.
It is disheartening to see charity as a result of a toxic culture rather than empathy toward others. It seems that the only way to get to the top is not through authentic generosity but through an extensive list of meaningless certifications and disingenuous connections.
We all must take steps to build a more holistic approach to personal development, with activities that emphasize the importance of pursuing experiences that align with individual interests, rather than simply adding another line to a resume. Creating a culture that values our diverse passions and challenges will not only enhance the overall college experience but also better prepare us for a world that demands creativity and authenticity.
Nohman Sohail is a sophomore in the School of Arts and Sciences majoring in economics and political science. His column, "Nohman's Nuances," runs on alternate Tuesdays.
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