University of Wisconsin-Madison senior Abigail Rosin listed off all the activities she had planned in her twelve hour day: work, classes, a meeting with her future employer and a student worker appreciation dinner. She would end her long day grabbing margaritas with her friends after a week balancing classes and three leadership roles. Despite her busy schedule, Rosin credits her extracurricular involvement at UW-Madison with setting her up for success in life after college.
Rosin, who graduated this spring with a degree in journalism and certificates in science communication, digital studies and environmental studies, said being involved in activities on campus beyond academics helped her build resilience and necessary skills for the real world.
“I’ve always been someone who’s really involved,” Rosin said. “In high school, I was doing three sports, student council, speech team. Coming to college, I knew I’d want to stay just as busy.”
Rosin held multiple leadership positions, including head student supervisor at Gordon Dining and Events Center, leading fundraising efforts for the Association of Women in Communication and co-founding Badgers for IBD.
For many students, extracurriculars may be hard to fit into already busy schedules. But Rosin argued these roles are important for character development, building community and preparing students for jobs in the real world that require skills not learned in the classroom.
“You just have to put yourself out there, which is not a comfortable thing to do, but honestly it's fine now, and now I have connections that I can pass on to my replacement, and then I can also rely on those connections in the future if I need to,” Rosin said.
Rosin started working at Gordon Dining and Events Center, one of UW-Madison’s dining halls, her freshman year because it was across the street from her dorm. She didn’t know she’d eventually become head student supervisor, but said she found her work to be rewarded with promotions. From team member, to shift lead and head student supervisor, Rosin felt encouraged to keep working hard.
“I honestly think my full-time job will be easier than what I’m juggling now,” Rosin said. “If I can handle this, I can definitely handle what’s next.”
It’s this leadership role that has prepared her most for her full-time career as a client success specialist after college, Rosin said.
“You're responsible for time management — leadership skills in general — like delegation and learning how to be a leadership figure,” Rosin said.
Many students often realize that joining student organizations is the best way to find community. Similarly, being involved on campus gave her structure and purpose, Rosin said.
Rosin estimated she spends 30-35 hours a week on her job and extracurricular responsibilities. With strong time management skills and setting personal boundaries, she makes sure to find balance.
“When I’m with my friends, I really try to turn off my work brain,” she said. “It’s about setting boundaries, reminding yourself that work isn’t life.”
