Have you heard that popular phrase ‘find your tribe’? Well, Ayesha Khatib, MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Student Ambassador, shares her tips on how to use LSE student societies to advance professionally or pursue your passion.

Keep your self-worth separate from work

After a long day at the campus – rushing between lectures, and seminars, squeezing reading time in between schedules, when I finally sat, at 7pm, in the Alumni Theatre at LSE to attend an event arranged by the LSE Women in Consulting society; I could not help but be inspired.

For almost an hour, I listened to this fantastic panel of three strong and self-confident women who spoke about their experiences as management consultants in some of London’s most renowned consultancy firms.

They shared their personal stories of work and womanhood.

During the event, as much as they astounded us with their intellect and prowess, to the same degree, they surprised us with their openness about failures and vulnerabilities. When this session – filled with new knowledge, curiosity, and inspiration – was about to end, I felt completely de-stressed, with new vigour and positivity.

When these women were asked for some parting words, one of them said what I wrote as my first line – “Keep your self-worth separate from work”. This message touched me on many levels and has stayed with me since then. It probably will forever.

This event was just one of many I attended as a member of the LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) Women in Consulting society and a few other societies I joined.

LSESU offers more than 250 clubs and societies to match your interests and add to your experience as a student. From consulting to opera-ballet, social justice to applicable math – these societies work as small communities for you to be a part of to foster fun, new friendships, connections in fields you are interested in, knowledge, advice, and inspiration.

These societies provide excellent platforms to network with other students who have similar social or professional interests and with practitioners from the field who often create inroads to many opportunities for students beyond school.

Here are a few next steps; I recommend following and actively engaging with student societies of your choice.

1. Become a member

Visit the LSE Students’ Union platform to explore various student societies to suit your interests.

Membership for each society starts as low as £1.50 for the year. You can become a member instantaneously through a quick payment online and start receiving weekly newsletters, including invites for events, workshops and competitions, and other updates.

You will discover that these societies motivate you to be more social and provide you with opportunities that would set you apart from other students after you graduate. For instance, the LSESU Consultancy Society holds regular workshops conducted by industry experts to sharpen consulting skills and case and business problem-solving skills.

Whether you use your LSE student societies to advance professionally or to pursue your passion (for dancing, music, photography or yoga), excellent facilities on campus and LSE’s reputation attract the best professionals you can network with through these societies.

2. Attend societies’ networking events

LSESU Societies remain very active during the terms, ensuring they arrange multiple events for their members. These events bring talented people from various sectors and industries as panellists, trainers, and workshop conductors. Active engagement and networking with these individuals help you gain more knowledge and understand the latest industry trends. These professionals can also prove to be helpful with your job hunt.

‘Indeed’, an American employment website, affirms that networking can improve your job prospects immensely, introduce you to new opportunities, and allow you to transition into something more aligned with your goals.

3. Follow up on your connections on LinkedIn

Once you meet and interact with new people at society events, it is essential to follow up and strengthen your contact by sending a LinkedIn connection request. It is important to personalise and add a note to your connection request by referring to some topic discussed at the event with a quick thanks.

You must send your LinkedIn connection request, ideally within 24 hours of your meeting, to solidify the connection while the events and conversations are still fresh in everyone’s minds.

4. Mention your memberships in your CV

Your membership in student societies is tremendously advantageous to your CV. When you mention engagements with societies on your CV, your potential employer perceives you as a well-rounded individual who is sociable and enjoys extracurricular activities beyond academics.

In addition, it makes you stand out as someone who balances formal and informal ways of learning through discipline and better time management.

LSESU societies are a great way to expand the professional network and forge meaningful connections while at LSE.

Being in your comfort zone is always safe and easy, but LSESU societies allow you to venture out of your comfort zone, push past your limits and make new connections, strike new friendships, and be inspired by new ideas and conversations.

Therefore, go beyond your classroom. Check out LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) website today!

Learn more about the MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme