The First-Year Rep Application Process for Social Impact Clubs
It’s that time of year again! Clubs are hiring first years to join their teams, and you can feel the nerves and excitement in the air to join the clubs you’re passionate about. It feels like just yesterday when I submitted my application to be a First-Year Representative of QSIA. Little did I know, one year later, I would have made so many incredible memories while being a part of this club, and I’d be writing about it in The Spark! I remember being so nervous and excited about the whole process, and feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of information online surrounding First-Year hiring. So, I have decided to compile a guide for any first years out there that are interested in social impact and want to apply for one of Commerce’s many amazing clubs!
Research
To start, make sure you research all of the clubs that are out there. A great resource is the Commerce Society’s web page, where you can read about all of the different student organizations you can get involved with. ComSoc oversees all of the clubs Commerce has to offer—akin to your Student Council from high school. Once you’ve found some that interest you, check out each club’s Instagram pages, as well as their websites, if they have them. This will give you more of an idea of what kind of initiatives they run, who’s on the executive team, and so much more.
Applications
Once you’ve compiled a list of club(s) you want to apply for, sign into the ComSoc shop page through this link using your student login. There, you’ll be able to see the details of each club’s application process. Most clubs follow the same format—prospective candidates are required to submit a few short responses to written questions, and then complete an interview with the club’s Co-Chairs. Every club is required to submit a hiring package, which is a document describing who they are and what they are looking for in a potential first-year representative. Make sure you read this carefully before submitting your written responses, because once you have sent them, you can’t access that club’s hiring page again!
From my experience interviewing for the QSIA first-year position, during your interview, two Co-Chairs will greet you, and ask you a series of behavioral questions, as well as one or two creative questions. The behavioral questions are intended to show how your past experiences and current skills will be an asset to the team. Make sure to link these responses to details about the club and the role! The creative questions are meant to give the Co-Chairs more information about you as a person, and how you think. I remember being asked if I could be any dish, which one would I be. I said I’d be a lasagna, because I’m warm, comforting, and have many layers. Try your best to have fun with those and show your personality!
I’d say my best advice for both interviews and written applications is, as cheesy as it sounds, to be yourself. Co-Chairs aren’t looking for a cookie-cutter, “perfect” candidate, they’re looking for someone genuine and dedicated, who is going to be a great team player. So, don’t just tell them what you think they want to hear. Let your personality and passion for social change shine through!
Now, I figured I’d also ask some other former First-Year Representatives for advice on the application process, and how they found their experience in their respective clubs. Here’s what they had to say!
Aaid Siddiqui - Q+
Social impact clubs are looking for people who are passionate and determined to better our communities. Many first-years feel as if they need to come onto clubs having lots of experiences and knowledge, but that’s not true. No matter the size of your accomplishments, if you’re able to show your willingness to commit to the clubs core principles, you’ll do great! My overall advice is to research the club and make sure it aligns with your passions, the rest will come naturally.
Julia Hyett - QSIA
Working as a first-year representative on QSIA was an invaluable experience for my first year at Queen’s. In my role, I had the opportunity to meet so many like minded passionate students who are equally driven to leverage their skills to create a positive impact. Together, we engaged with inspiring industry professionals at club events and learned so much about the Corporate Social Responsibility sector. As a first year, I got to work across many different portfolios helping to organize and execute events, write blog posts and plan our annual W4SI conference. I have built an incredible network of supportive individuals who will be there for both personal and professional guidance throughout my time at Queen’s and beyond. I would absolutely recommend applying to become a first-year representative and joining the QSIA community!
Sara Balan - QCSI
This past year, I was the First-Year representative for Queens Commerce Service Initiative (QCSI), which I have found to be greatly rewarding and meaningful. From my experience here is some advice I have for applying to a social impact club: - Reflect on what inspires you and what type of community you want to be a part of. We are so lucky to have such a large variety of CommSoc clubs to join, your values and passion are your best friends to succeed. - Don’t stress! Be your authentic self with your best foot forward. The Co-Chairs want to meet and hear from exactly who you are. No one is perfect and they understand that. - Share your past experience and elaborate on what made it so meaningful to you. - Be open-minded. As a First-Year Rep, you will have the opportunity to shadow many different portfolios in which you may or may not have past experience. Your willingness to learn and grow will help you make the most of the experience. Good luck with your applications! If you have any further questions feel free to reach out to me directly!
Final Words and Next Steps
Just remember that there is also another round of club hiring in March for all roles, so this is not your last chance to get involved. Also, make sure to look outside of Commerce—there’s tons of amazing AMS clubs looking for First-Years, too! No matter what, applying to clubs is amazing interview experience you can take with you in the future.
I’m wishing everyone out there the best of luck! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, would like to chat more about QSIA or discuss social impact in general. Now go out there and apply to those clubs that could use your help and passion, be yourself!