Stand Out to Employers: 7 College Leadership Positions to Improve Your Résumé
When considering your future career, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the competitiveness of the job market. Employers want real-world experience, leadership, and problem-solving skills. But how do you acquire those skills while still in college?
A great place to begin is by taking on leadership roles on campus. At St. John’s University, you discover countless opportunities to assume leadership responsibilities, enhance your college experience, improve your résumé, and make it stand out when applying for jobs or internships.
The Importance of Leadership Experience in College
You’ve probably heard that leadership experience is essential, but you may wonder, “How does it help me in the job market?”
Leadership positions allow you to demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and the ability to manage both people and projects—qualities future employers actively seek. According to the Job Outlook 2024 report, nearly 90 percent of employers look for candidates with strong problem-solving skills, while almost 80 percent want employees who excel in teamwork.
By taking on leadership roles in college, you develop these critical skills, positioning yourself as a top candidate in the job market. Plus, acquiring these skills can be highly transferable, allowing you to apply your experience to any future role.
7 Campus Leadership Roles to Highlight on Your Student Résumé:
1. Peer Mentorship Leader
Adjusting to college life can be challenging, but as a peer mentorship leader, you play a key role in helping first-year students navigate this transition while building your leadership skills. Through this role, you strengthen abilities like empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution—valuable skills in any career involving teamwork or people management.
St. John’s University offers several opportunities to step into peer mentorship roles:
E.P.I.C. Mentor Program
The E.P.I.C. (Establish relationships, Promote possibilities, Impact direction, Confirm next steps) Mentor Program is a year-long, peer-to-peer mentoring initiative designed to foster community among students. The program pairs first-year students with sophomores, juniors, or seniors who have successfully navigated their college journey. As an E.P.I.C. mentor, you help guide new students through their first year by offering insights, support, and encouragement as they transition into college life.
R.I.S.E. Network
The R.I.S.E. (Reach, Inspire, Succeed, Empower) Network is a multicultural peer mentorship program at St. John’s that focuses on providing individualized guidance and support to first-year students, especially those who may need help adjusting to the demands of college. The program emphasizes leadership development, goal setting, financial literacy, character building, and career skills. Through one-on-one mentoring relationships with sophomores, juniors, and seniors, R.I.S.E. scholars receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
2. Social Service
If you’re passionate about social justice and making a difference, consider taking advantage of service-based opportunities offered through your college or university. At St. John’s, the Ozanam Scholars Program is one of the many ways to get involved. As a scholar, students lead research projects, coordinate community outreach, and advocate for important causes. Employers in nonprofits, education, and government love to see this type of commitment to leadership and service on a résumé.
Learn the “7 Actionable Steps to Build a Social Service Career.”
3. Student Government
Are you seeking experience in advocacy, budgeting, or event coordination? Leadership roles in student government put you at the center of student decision making and campus life. Serving in student government helps sharpen your communication, team management, and problem-solving skills.
At St. John’s University, student government leaders are deeply involved in shaping campus policies, organizing student activities, and voicing student concerns to the University administration. By working in Student Government, Inc. at St. John’s, students gain real-world experience in leadership, advocacy, and event planning, all while enhancing their ability to work in teams and solve complex problems.
4. Resident Assistant (RA)
As an RA, you manage residential environments, mediate conflicts, and support your peers in challenging situations. This role offers hands-on experience in leadership, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, making it a standout position on your résumé—especially if you aim for a management or human resources career.
For those looking to build a career in management, counseling, or human resources, being an RA at St. John’s provides real-life experience that translates directly into professional success.
5. Student Ambassador
Being a student ambassador allows you to represent your college or university by giving campus tours, attending events, and sharing your experiences with prospective students. This role is a great way to develop public speaking, communication, and customer service skills—essential for careers in marketing, communications, or any profession that involves building relationships.
At St. John’s, student ambassadors serve as the face of the University. They lead campus tours, assist during admission events, and engage with prospective students and their families. Many ambassadors find that the skills they gain in this role are highly transferable to marketing, public relations careers, and beyond.
Are you interested in learning what this role looks like in practice?
6. Clubs and Organizations
Being a leader for student clubs and organizations on campus is a great way to build leadership skills, whether running events, managing teams, or spearheading projects. St. John’s University students can access more than 180 clubs and organizations, offering various leadership opportunities. Whether leading an academic society, organizing a major campus event, or planning a service trip, you gain valuable experience in project management and strategic decision making.
7. Campus Ministry
For those who want to lead through service, campus ministry programs provide opportunities to organize community outreach projects, lead reflection groups, and coordinate volunteer initiatives. These leadership roles help build empathy, organizational skills, and a sense of purpose, making them ideal preparation for careers in social work, education, and nonprofits.
At St. John’s University, Campus Ministry plays a vital role in fostering a culture of service. Students involved in Campus Ministry leadership organize outreach programs, lead service trips, and facilitate reflection groups, developing a solid foundation in leadership, empathy, and community building. These experiences are particularly valuable for students interested in social work, nonprofits, or education, where service and leadership intersect.
How These Leadership Roles Benefit Your Résumé
The leadership roles you take on at St. John’s don’t just look good on your résumé—they give you a wide range of skills employers are eager to see, including
Project Management
Organizing events or leading initiatives sharpens your ability to plan, execute, and manage complex tasks.
Communication and Public Speaking
Leadership often requires speaking in front of groups, negotiating with peers, or collaborating with faculty and staff. These experiences help you become a confident communicator.
Conflict Resolution
Many leadership roles involve navigating disagreements or solving team conflicts, which improves your problem-solving and mediation skills.
Read the Stories of St. John’s Students Who Leveraged Campus Leadership.
Jenna Charles, Empowering through Service
Jenna’s service work at St. John’s, from supporting communities in need to mentoring young people of color in her hometown, has shaped her passion for making higher education accessible. Read more about her impactful journey.
Gabe Torres, Expanding His World through Service
As an Ozanam Scholar, Gabe has used service to deepen his understanding of the world and his community. From local projects in Queens, NY, to international experiences abroad, the program has shaped his perspective and fueled his personal growth. Read more about Gabe’s story.
