Extracurricular activities of Dutch University students and their effect on employment opportunities as perceived by both students and organizations

Abstract

Research on biographical data suggests that recruiters draw inferences about candidates' abilities and attributes based on résumé information. However, few studies have explored students' attributions with regard to the experiences that are relevant in enhancing employment opportunities. The aim of the present study is to fill this gap by analyzing the effect of university students' extracurricular activities (ECAs) on their perceived employment opportunities. Specifically, we combine a large sample of students with recruiters from a wide range of sectors in the Netherlands. Students completed a questionnaire, while recruiters participated in an experiment and semi‐structured interviews. Students' expectations about the value of ECAs for their employment opportunities were found to be misaligned with recruiters' viewpoints. Students expected academic performance to be more relevant for employment opportunities than ECAs, whereas recruiters stated the opposite. Students expected an internship to be the most valued ECA, whereas most recruiters prioritized a board year and emphasized students' motivation and ability to demonstrate the learning gained from ECAs in general. Implications for further biodata research are discussed.

Extracurricular Activities in Higher Education and the Promotion of Reflective Learning for Sustainability

“…However, there is increasing interest in the potential for ECA to promote reflection. ECA are defined as voluntary activities that take place outside the class schedule [37], which complement curricular training [38] and contribute to the students' personal [39], professional [40], and social [41] development. These activities are classified into sporting, cultural, solidarity, spiritual and artistic activities, and student clubs [41][42][43].…”

Inclination of Students towards Active Participation in Extracurricular Activities as an Effective Tool for Professional Development during Education in Pakistan

“…Hence, the student who participates in ECA positively is considered to be a better option for the job as he/she is capable to putting extra effort in order to complete a particular task. The participation in ECA imparts decision making, teamwork in a student, hence improving the professional ethics and practices of how to deal with staff members, coaches, head and adjustment in a new environment in oneself (Nuijten, Poell, & Alfes, 2017). The researchers of latter study stated that recruiters appreciate students to participate in ECA as it fosters different value-added qualities in them.…”

“…ECA makes students fit to achieve their future goals. Co-operation, leadership skills, social interaction, self-confidence, punctuality and team-working spirit are some other major attributes provided by ECA (Dhanmeher, 2014;Oberle, Ji, Guhn, Schonert-Reichl, & Gadermann, 2019).…”

Extracurricular Activity Of Students In The Aspect Of The University Idea

“…Issues related to the role of extracurricular activities in personality formation of students were also considered by foreign researchers (Ahmad et al, 2015;Arranz et al, 2017;Bakoban & Aljarallah, 2015;Egawa et al, 2019;Kim & Bastedo, 2016;Nuijten et al, 2017;Retallick & Foreman, 2012) and others.…”