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“Get involved!” has been the word of mouth on campus for the past two years. Yes, campus involvement is important but, what about community involvement? The Des Moines area is full of possibilities and benefits including networking, making new friends and giving back. But how do you get involved? Why should you get involved? 

Maddie Cunningham, an involved student leader at Grand View University, shared her opinion on involvement.  

“I think it really matters for GVU students because this school is so small,” Cunningham said.  

Especially when living on campus, it can feel like you are stuck in a bubble. Connecting with peers is beneficial and can create good outcomes. What about stepping out of your bubble and meeting new people? This is the art of networking. Campus student leadership teams and clubs can help with connecting with the community outside of GVU.  

“I feel people know that it’s there and I feel like some people just don’t take advantage of it,” Cunningham said. 

Why are students not taking advantage of this opportunity? Do they know the benefits?  

“Benefits I have found are definitely public speaking and networking. Networking is like the biggest thing,” Cunningham said.  

The common phrase, ‘Business is about who you know, not what you know,’ is considered true. Networking can help with job searching and landing a job.  

“[Networking] opens up the doors to so many different connections and later down the line, you could have these people in your classes or you could literally be working in the workforce. You just never know,” Cunningham said.  

Community involvement can be beneficial in multiple ways such as searching for jobs, growing your social group and feeling good about giving back. Except how do you apply yourself? How do you get involved with the community?  

One way is attending events. Cunningham has visited Thrift Market and the Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market. She brought friends and was able to interact with the vendors and ask about their business. This not only benefits the business, but the individual as well, due to the nature of organic interactions and life-long connections. 

Cunningham also said it is important to make connections with people who are different from you. 

Meeting new people and making new connections can expose you to other opinions and beliefs. GVU requires students to try classes outside of their major and minor. The reasoning behind it is to ensure you are choosing the correct career path. Exposing yourself to other opinions and beliefs can help assure you understand your own personal beliefs and values. GVU and community involvement can assist in creating a well-rounded experience.  

Becoming a well-rounded person can also come from volunteering in the community. The Des Moines area offers students more than they know. It is time for us to give back. Cunningham mentioned that her student leadership teams and clubs volunteer together. Student leaders learn about new people while helping people. This could be considered networking. 

“Networking, that will get you places,” Cunninham said.  

“I would agree. I think networking is a critical component. I don’t think that should obviously be your sole motivation,” GVU Dean of Students John Howe said.  

It is not always about securing a job or giving it back to the community. Sometimes it is just going out and learning about your city and other individuals who live in your area. It matters to know about your local politics as it may have an impact on your life. 

“It might give you an opportunity to take something that you’re learning from, kind of a knowledge-based classroom and put it into practical implications in the world,” Howe said.  

Another benefit of getting involved in the community is applying the skills you have learned at your university to the real world. Skills such as communication are taught in school and can also be used as a community member. Attributes you have learned in the classroom are also beneficial.  

“There’s opportunity for learning to take place everywhere,” Howe said. 

Learning does not stop after school. Pushing to learn new things is beneficial. 

“Ultimately, if you are not being challenged you are not growing,” Howe said. 

It is important to learn to expose yourself to different opinions or perspectives. One of the easiest ways of doing this is by stepping outside of your comfortable campus bubble and exploring the community. 

Benefits of community involvement can include anything from volunteering, to obtaining a job and becoming a more well-rounded individual. It matters to know who you are surrounded by.  

So, get out today. Go and explore your local community.