Your CV is more than a list of academic achievements; it’s a reflection of your broader skillset, interests, and initiative.
During a PhD, it’s easy to become consumed by research, data collection, and writing, often leaving little time for anything else.
However, engaging in extracurricular activities can not only strengthen your CV but also support your academic journey and future career.
In this article, we explore a range of extracurricular options that are realistic, rewarding, and relevant to your goals.
Extracurricular activities can help you to:
- Showcase your initiative and time management skills.
- Help you build a diverse and transferable skillset.
- Offer networking opportunities beyond your immediate academic circle.
- Support your mental well-being by providing variety and balance.
- Make your CV stand out in competitive academic and non-academic job markets.
Academic and University-Based Activities
These are often the most accessible and directly relevant to your PhD:
Conferences and Meetings
- Attend, present, or volunteer at academic conferences.
- Organise university or departmental events.
- Help run public outreach (like science communication) events.
Benefits: Development of time management, public speaking, teamwork, leadership, and outreach skills.
Peer Review and Editing
Volunteer to review journal articles: often, PhD students are best placed to review articles as they are actively engaged with the literature, and are more likely to find time to review than more senior academics.
Join editorial boards or assist with academic publications.
Benefits: Insight into the publication process, critical thinking, and professional development. Some editing roles are paid, offering financial support alongside skill-building.
Teaching and Tutoring
Become a teaching assistant or tutor, this could be within your own institution as a TA, or as a tutor working either freelance or for a tutoring company, for example, The Brilliant Club actively recruit PhD students and offers them structured tutoring opportunities and training.
Benefits: Teaching experience is essential for academic roles and improves your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Designing learning materials and assessments is a particularly important skill that takes time and practice to develop.
Professional Development Opportunities
Short Courses and Certifications
Take online or in-person courses in coding, statistics, GIS, science communication, or project management.
Earn certifications that are valued in industry or academia.
Tip: Choose courses that complement your research or open doors to alternative career paths.
Committee Work
Join departmental boards, student unions, or diversity and inclusion committees.
Impact: Demonstrates leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to improving your academic environment, which is increasingly valued in academic job applications.
Creative and Personal Projects
- Blogging, Podcasting, and Social Media
- Share your research journey, fieldwork stories, or academic tips.
- Build a personal brand and connect with wider audiences.
Benefits: Communication skills are highly sought after, and institutions appreciate employees who can promote their work effectively.
Community Engagement and Leadership Roles
Volunteering and Mentoring
Support local organisations, schools, or community science projects.
Mentor undergraduates or early-career researchers.
Benefits: Especially valuable for careers in NGOs, education, or public engagement. Shows empathy, leadership, and a commitment to social impact.
Choosing the Right Activities for You
Not all extracurriculars are created equal, and not all are right for you. When deciding what to pursue, ask yourself:
- Does this align with my career goals?
- Will it help me develop skills I currently lack?
- Can I realistically commit time and energy to this?
- Will it support my well-being or provide a creative outlet?
Final Thoughts: Balance is Key
Whatever you choose to do, try and make sure that it aligns with your personal or career goals. For example, NGO’s may look more favourably on community activities/advocacy, and industry may look more favourably on practical work experience or additional certifications relevant to your field.
Think about how extracurricular activities might support you in terms of skill development, networking opportunities, and your own mental and emotional well-being.
But, above all, be realistic! Don’t overcommit yourself; your time and energy are finite, and that’s OK! Extracurriculars can be incredibly rewarding, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of your health or research progress.
Be realistic about your capacity, and don’t feel pressured to do everything. Even one well-chosen activity can make a meaningful difference to your CV and your personal development.
Remember: your PhD is a journey, not just a destination. The skills, connections, and experiences you gain along the way, both inside and outside the lab, will shape your future.
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