Does Creating a Book Club Count as a Leadership Position?

Do you find yourself in a situation where you've created a book club and are questioning if it counts as a leadership position on your resume or application form? The answer is both yes and no. Academically and professionally, hiring managers and admissions committees might not immediately recognize a book club organizer role as a leadership position. However, personally, it undoubtedly contributes to your leadership experience by providing you with opportunities to manage, coordinate, communicate, and lead.

Academic and Professional Perspectives

In an academic or professional setting, a book club organizer may not be seen as a leadership role. However, this doesn't diminish the value of your experiences. From organizing meetings to facilitating discussions, you tackled various aspects of leadership. These skills are transferable to any future professional or academic endeavors. Employers and university admissions officers tend to look for specific criteria such as project management experience, team coordination, and initiative, which you might need to highlight separately. Nonetheless, your role in the book club should still be mentioned as it demonstrates your ability to lead and inspire others.

Personal Perspective and Leadership Growth

From a personal standpoint, creating and running a book club is a significant accomplishment. You've taken the initiative to build a platform where people can engage with literature, share their thoughts, and learn from one another. The leadership involved in this role is multi-faceted:

Managing: You organized schedules, created a structure, and planned events around the book selections. Coordinating: You ensured that participants stayed informed and engaged, resolving any issues that arose. Communicating: You fostered a community of readers by facilitating discussions and encouraging open dialogue. Leading: You inspired participation and modeled the behavior of a knowledgeable and engaged reader.

Your role in the book club not only reflects your leadership skills but also your ability to initiate and drive projects forward. These experiences can be particularly beneficial when applying to universities or seeking employment, especially if you are an international student like Daniela.

International Student and Book Club

If you're an international student, such as Daniela from Brazil, and you're creating a book club on Reddit for your fellow students, this experience is even more valuable. It demonstrates your ability to overcome cultural and language barriers, work with diverse individuals, and build a community around a shared interest. Here are some tips to enhance your application by highlighting this experience:

Include your role in the book club in your extracurricular activities section. Provide specific examples of how you managed the club, coordinated discussions, and engaged participants. Discuss how the club has influenced your personal growth and sense of community.

As Daniela mentioned, creating a book club shows that you have taken initiative, demonstrated drive, and applied your imagination and planning skills. You've brought something to life and inspired others to participate, which are all key attributes of a leader.

Conclusion

While your role in a book club might not be officially labeled as a leadership position in an academic or professional setting, it most certainly contributes to your personal development as a leader. Employers and universities value individuals who can demonstrate their ability to lead, manage, and inspire. By clearly articulating your experiences in the book club, you can showcase these skills effectively. Whether you're applying for a university or a job, remember that every experience you highlight is an opportunity to demonstrate your potential for success.