One of the best ways to get involved with the Queen’s Commerce Society (ComSoc) in first year is to volunteer at one of the 14 student-run conferences or competitions. Volunteering is an easy way to meet other students, add experience to your resume, and to experience the event and talk to executive members on the organizing committee. If you’re interested in applying to be part of a committee, volunteering shows your interest and gives you a first-hand understanding of what the organization is all about – which is a lot better than just reading a description off their website. When I was in first year, I volunteered for the Queen’s Entrepreneurs’ Competition (the QEC) which led me to be hired as their Events and Logistics Coordinator for the following year. 3 years later, I am now co-chairing the entire competition!

Another great thing about volunteering is the low commitment aspect. As a first year student, it can be hard to manage your work-life balance. Volunteering will typically include taking part in a training session and then attending the event weekend itself, rather than a year-long commitment if you are on the executive. You can volunteer in as many or as few ComSoc conferences or competitions as you would like – just be sure that the events are not taking place simultaneously. As a volunteer, you get to experience the fun parts of an event, like the socials, wine and cheese receptions and dinners as well as network with keynote speakers and/or judges and sponsor reps who attend the events.

There are conferences and competitions to suit a lot of varying interests, such as Queen’s Business Forum on the Fashion Industry (QBFFI), Queen’s Finance Association Conference (QFAC), Queen’s Marketing Association Conference (QMAC), and Queen’s Sports Industry Conference (QSIC), to name a few. If you’re a first year student, or if you’ll be joining the Queen’s Commerce family this fall, make it a priority to volunteer for a ComSoc event!

Until next time,
Kat Wong Too Yen, BCom’12