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How to Find Extracurricular Activities and Contests

Tap each step to learn how to find extracurricular activities and contests in order.

  1. Check your school's career center announcements first

    Your university's career or professional development center regularly posts activities and competitions run in partnership with the school, and these are usually the most reliably vetted opportunities, so check there first.

  2. Use aggregator sites and apps

    Dedicated websites and apps that collect activity and contest listings from many companies and organizations in one place make it far easier to browse opportunities by field or category.

  3. Check social media and student communities

    Department and club announcement channels, student community forums, and the official social media accounts of companies and organizations often share time-sensitive openings that aren't posted anywhere else.

  4. Filter opportunities by your actual goal

    Decide first whether you're after resume-building, hands-on experience in a specific field, or prize money and recognition, and then prioritize the activities and contests that actually match that goal.

  5. Check eligibility, timeline, and benefits carefully

    Review eligibility restrictions (year level, major requirements), the activity duration, and what winners or top performers actually receive before you apply, so you know exactly what you're committing to.

  6. Document your experience for your portfolio

    Once an activity ends, write down your specific role and what you accomplished while it's fresh β€” this turns a vague memory into a concrete, usable example for a future resume or cover letter.

Filter by goal first, then by field

The sheer volume of activities and contests available can be overwhelming. Deciding your actual objective up front β€” a specific skill, a line for your resume, or prize money β€” narrows the list quickly and keeps you from spreading yourself too thin across unrelated opportunities.

Document while it's fresh, not months later

Specific details fade fast. Writing a short summary of your role, what you did, and any measurable outcome right after an activity ends makes it far easier to turn that experience into a strong resume bullet or interview story later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a specific major to enter most contests?

It varies by contest. Some are open to any student regardless of major, while others restrict entry to particular fields of study, so always check the eligibility section of the listing carefully before applying.

Is it worth joining an activity that doesn't offer a cash prize?

Often, yes. Activities that build a specific skill, give you a portfolio piece, or connect you with a professional network can be more valuable long-term than a one-time prize, depending on your goals.