Posters, videos, heartfelt stories. ClubFest — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday — is an opportunity for ISU students to show off and get involved in the university’s 700-plus clubs and organizations.

From the Skiing Club to the International Agriculture Club, the Government of the Student Body to the Lego Club, Iowa State offers an activity that all of its students can enjoy.

We know, we know — school’s just begun.

Freshmen dress for their 8 a.m. classes as though they’re going out clubbing; seniors are half asleep while walking to theirs. Despite classes beginning to get into full swing, there is still a large amount of time available for hanging out, playing sports with friends and enjoying these last free summer days.

Regardless of our predisposition toward squeezing whatever fun we can into these next weeks, we still must focus on the coming year. Jobs aren’t getting any easier to obtain; internships are becoming more and more selective.

Students are being forced to become more competitive, usually leading to more filled blocks on their schedules for classes and research opportunities. 

However, credit hours alone do not always transfer directly into that dream job or the internship with Boeing or position with Pioneer.

This is where ClubFest comes in.

Why not pair that civil engineering degree with a position in the student government?

Why not add a fraternity or sorority to your resume, along with your microbiology research?

Gone are the days of single-discipline jobs and academia.

While none of these points may be original, they cannot be stressed enough.

The game of job — and research — seeking has turned into a complex system of marketing one’s individual traits.

We absolutely must find a way to differentiate ourselves from the rest of the applicants.

While this system may sound cutthroat, it is easier to manage than many believe.

The answer is simply to get involved.

That’s it.

Join whatever club you’re interested in.

Hold positions.

Show that you’re worth more to a company than any of the other potential recruits.

We’re not interview psychologists.

We’re not masterminds of company wishes and desires.

However, experience with different companies and graduate schools has led us to these conclusions.

So, we implore you once again: Get involved.

Build your own personal rapport and take advantage of all opportunities presented to you.