On-Campus Involvement Guide:
Getting involved on campus is one of the most powerful ways to build career-ready experience while also finding community. Whether you’re joining a student organization, contributing to a creative project, or participating in arts opportunities offered through the School of the Arts or Theatre Department, these experiences allow you to develop industry-relevant skills, showcase leadership, and bring your creativity to life.
This guide brings together multiple ways to get involved across Binghamton, with opportunities tailored to students interested in creative arts, media, and marketing. From student clubs and performance groups to hands-on roles in promoting events or creating content, each experience can strengthen your resume and help you stand out in internships or future careers. Explore the sections below to discover organizations, programs, and resources, plus practical examples of how to translate your involvement into professional skills.
Student Organizations & School of the Arts Opportunities:
Want help figuring out how to get involved on campus? Campus Navigation appointments are one-on-one sessions with Success Coaching designed to help you explore involvement opportunities, connect with others, and find the level of campus engagement that feels right for you. You can also get support learning how to use B-Engaged and identifying organizations, events, or experiences that match your interests. Appointments are available both in person and virtually and can be scheduled through B-Successful.
Getting involved in student organizations is more than just a way to meet people! It’s also one of the best ways to build relevant industry experience, strengthen your resume, and step into leadership opportunities. Recruiters looking to hire students for internships often seek candidates who have already demonstrated industry interest and skills. Getting involved in a student organization or student work can give you the chance to develop and showcase those abilities. Whether through creative projects, leadership roles, or hands-on contributions, these experiences provide a practical way to build your resume and stand out in the internship search process.
For example, you might:
- Offer to help proofread or edit an organization’s social media captions (marketing/communications skills).
- Record and edit performance footage to help a club advertise their events (media/production skills).
- Table for over 30 hours to promote a big event (marketing and word-of-mouth outreach experience).
- Share a campaign idea you developed in class to see if it could be used for your org (creative strategy).
Even if you’re not on an executive board, you can propose ways to contribute your expertise. These experiences can directly translate into resume bullets, interview talking points, and professional confidence.
Read more about showcasing your student organization experiences with this resource, created by Aly Novi.
Use this navigation tool to explore student organizations in the Creative Arts, Media, and Marketing cluster. Each has its own website/social media and contact information. When no “join” instructions are listed, use the outreach template at the end to contact them directly.
Table of Contents:
🎨 Creative & Performing Arts
- Art Co-Op
- Fine Arts Society
- Undergraduate Art History Association
- Evolution Dance Company
- X-Fact’r Step Team
- International Flag Dancers
- Vibrations
- The Pappy Parker Players
- Hinman Production Company
- Dickinson Community Players
- Explorchestra
- Sound of Binghamton
- The Rhythm Method
- Student Design Agency
📰 Media, Journalism & Publishing
- Pipe Dream
- Binghamton Review
- The Free Press
- Spoon Magazine
- Rena Magazine
- The Binghamton University Times Tribune
- The Binghamton Law Quarterly
- Harpur Palate
- Triple Cities Literary Magazine
- Eleventh Hour Literary
- The Common Ground Reading Series
- Binghamton Poetry Club
- Binghamton Writers Project
- Secret Poetry Room quietly opens in Bartle Library
- Coffee & Conversation with the Director
- Distinguished Writers
🎥 Film, TV & Multimedia
- Film and Production Society
- Binghamton Television (BTV6)
- WHRW (Harpur Radio Workshop)
- Student Design Agency
- Production and Mixing
🎤 Communication, Debate & Public Speaking
- Speech and Debate
- Mock Trial Association
- TEDxBinghamtonUniversity
- Storytelling Workshop Club
- Binghamton Stand-Up Club
📢 Business, Marketing & Fashion
🗣️ Communications, Language, & Storytelling
- American Sign Language Club
- Comparative Literature Graduate Student Organization
- Hong Kong Exchange Square
- The History Club
🎓 Student Leadership Orgs
Outreach Template:
If you don’t find clear instructions on how to join a student organization, here’s a professional but approachable template you can use to reach out.
Subject: Interested in Joining [Organization Name]
Hello [Organization Name or Contact Person],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a student at Binghamton interested in learning more about [Organization Name]. I came across your group on B-Engaged and wanted to ask about the process for getting involved.
Could you please let me know if you have any upcoming meetings, events, or application steps for joining? I’d love the chance to contribute and learn more about the opportunities your organization offers.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your Name]
Tip: Always check the organization’s website or social media first—sometimes they list joining instructions or meeting schedules there.
And of course, if you’d like support with any of this, whether it’s crafting outreach emails, preparing to join, or even turning your student works into strong resume bullets, come see us at the Career Center. We’re happy to help!
Looking to get involved with the arts? The School of Arts has put together a fantastic resource highlighting opportunities open to majors and non majors! Check out the blurb below to learn more about the resource and use the listed link to see all the opportunities.
At Binghamton University’s School of the Arts, we know the arts open up entirely new ways of thinking, creating, and existing in the world. Whether you’re majoring in the arts or exploring alongside other studies, engaging in the arts here will expand what is possible for you – in your work, your studies, and your life.
From Art & Design, Art History, Cinema, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Musical Theatre, Acting, Directing, to backstage opportunities and so much more – we offer opportunities for all students to make, perform, create, and collaborate. You can dive into curating exhibitions, performing in ensembles like orchestra, jazz bands, and choirs, or taking studio lessons. Love theatre? You can audition to act in productions or get involved backstage – and if auditions make you nervous, we even offer coaching to help you prepare.
Explore below to discover how the arts can transform your Binghamton experience.
Open to majors and non majors
Learn about these fantastic opportunities with their description below and the link to their website where you will find a full breakdown:
“The Binghamton Center for Writers is a SUNY Organized Research Center associated with the Creative Writing Program. While academic courses are handled through the English Department, the Center for Writers cultivates an active community of writers through extracurricular offerings.”
The Theatre Department at Binghamton University offers a variety of ways for students, both majors and non-majors, to get involved. These opportunities not only enhance your artistic and creative interests but also help you develop transferable skills valued in any career path.
This guide has two parts:
- Theatre Department Opportunities – How you can get involved
- Why These Experiences Matter – How theatre connects to skills that benefit any career
1. Theatre Department Opportunities
Below is a quick overview of ways you can engage with the Theatre Department. These opportunities are not limited to Theatre majors and often provide hands-on experience that builds both technical and professional skills.
| Opportunity Area | Brief Overview | Who Can Get Involved | Contact | More Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backstage & Design Opportunities | Gain experience on costume crews, stage management, props, fly crew, or set design. Open practicum options allow hands-on participation. | Open to all students | Ariel Thomke (Costume Shop), Scott Selmeski (Scene Shop), Devon Painter (Costume Designer). | Backstage Opportunities |
| Stages & Studios | Learn by working in the Scene Shop (building and running productions) or the Costume Shop (sewing, fittings, and wardrobe support). Facilities provide hands-on training that supports department productions. | Open to all students.. | Scene Shop: Scott Selmeski; Costume Shop: Ariel Thomke. | Facilities Information |
| Arts in Education | Participate in theatre performances that connect with the community and local schools. | Open to students interested in educational outreach. | Theatre Department staff. | Arts in Education |
| Classes & Skill Development | Take courses in Costume Design, Theatrical Make-up, and related areas to grow technical and creative skills. | Courses open depending on prerequisites; not all require being a Theatre major. | Devon Painter (Costume Designer) for course questions. | Facilities Information |
Stay in the Loop: Get email alerts when auditions and opportunities are coming up! Join the Theatre Department’s Listserv so you never miss a chance to get involved.
Interested in helping on a show: Email the Ariel Thomke, Costume Shop if you are interested in being on a costume crew for a show!
2. Why Theatre Involvement Matters for Any Career
Getting involved in Theatre can absolutely enhance your career if you plan to pursue a path in the arts. But just as importantly, these opportunities also build transferable skills, often called “soft skills” that employers in any field value.
The NACE Career Readiness Competencies are eight key skills identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers as essential for workplace success. These include:
- Communication
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Career & Self-Development
- Technology
Learn more here: NACE Career Readiness Competencies
Here are a few examples of how theatre experiences connect to these competencies in ways that matter even if you’re not going into the arts:
| NACE Competency | Theatre Example | Transferable Value in Other Fields |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | Delivering clear directions as a stage manager. | Public speaking, clarity in instructions, active listening |
| Teamwork & Collaboration | Working on a costume crew or props team. | Collaboration, adaptability, relationship-building |
| Critical Thinking | Solving unexpected problems during a live performance. | Problem-solving, quick decision-making, creative thinking |
| Equity & Inclusion | Participating in Arts in Education performances for diverse audiences. | Cultural awareness, empathy, inclusive engagement |
| Leadership | Coordinating volunteers or leading a backstage crew. | Supervising, motivating others, delegating tasks |
| Professionalism | Meeting production deadlines and balancing commitments. | Time management, accountability, reliability |
| Career & Self-Development | Taking courses in theatrical make-up or sewing to build new skills. | Initiative, continuous learning, goal setting |
| Technology | Operating lighting and sound systems. | Technical proficiency, troubleshooting, digital literacy |
Bottom Line: Theatre involvement at Binghamton isn’t just for actors or majors, it’s a hands-on way to grow as a student, build lasting connections, and develop skills that will serve you in any career.
Think research isn’t for creatives? Think again. The External Scholarships and Undergraduate Research Center (ESURC) offers opportunities that blend scholarship, creativity, and the arts, including the Summer Scholars and Artists Program. This program gives undergraduates the chance to pursue original projects over the summer with funding, mentorship, and support.
For students in the Creative Arts, Media, and Marketing Career Cluster, this program can be a way to devote time to a creative or scholarly project outside the classroom. Past participants have pursued themes connected to areas like music, architecture, and magazine publication—you can browse examples on the program’s website to get a clearer sense of the wide range of projects students have completed.
For more details, here’s how the Undergraduate Research Center describes the program:
The Office of External Scholarships and Undergraduate Research Center, with support from the Division of Academic Affairs, the Binghamton University Foundation, and the SUNY Chancellor, offers the Summer Scholars and Artists Program to allow undergraduates to engage in independent research, scholarship, and creative activities during the summer. This program supports the student’s original research or creative project through a stipend, enabling recipients to engage in primary research or creative activities with guidance from faculty mentors. Proposals from students in all academic disciplines, departments, and colleges are welcome.
Why this matters for you: Research and creative projects are considered a high-impact practice, experiences that strengthen your skills, help you stand out for jobs and grad school, and in this case, can even lead to publication in Binghamton’s Undergraduate Journal.
Applications are typically due in early spring—check the program website for current deadlines. To set yourself up for success, we encourage you to connect ahead of time to understand the program and polish your application materials. The ESURC offers drop-ins and appointments, and the Fleishman Career Center is also here to help you maximize your application. For questions, contact Beth Polson (details listed on their site).
Lastly, don’t forget to check out their research postings on their Campus Research Opportunity Postings (CROP) tool! Recently, there were postings that connected to media and the museum/historical industries– so be sure to check regularly or sign up for their newsletter here.
Career Support & Sources:
As you explore this resource, we encourage you to take advantage of everything available to support your career journey. Below, you’ll find the sources and contributors that made this guide possible, multiple ways to connect with our office for personalized career support, and some important reminders to keep in mind as you plan your strategy. Be sure to check them out, and remember, our team is always here to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
| Reminder | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| Use Multiple Sources | Information about careers and education can vary depending on where you look. Try checking several websites and resources when researching anything related to your career development (for example: job outlooks, salaries, industry trends, graduate programs, or fellowships, etc.). This will help you get a fuller, more accurate picture of what employers or admissions committees are looking for. |
| Make Sure to Network | Talking directly with people associated with your career goals or the programs/companies you’re interested in can give you the clearest and most useful insights. Reach out to professionals, recruiters, alumni, or current students to learn what really matters in your field (for example: company expectations, hiring timelines, résumé preferences, graduate program requirements, etc.). Even within the same industry or graduate program type, different organizations and admissions committees may value things differently. Listening carefully to their guidance can help you put your best foot forward. |
| Use AI Ethically in Career Development | AI tools can be a great resource for brainstorming, polishing materials, or practicing interview questions (for example: outlining position description details to guide your documents, generating practice questions, etc.). But it works best when you use it thoughtfully and make sure the final work reflects your own skills and voice. Some employers and graduate programs may not allow AI, so always check instructions carefully. Think of AI as a helper, not a replacement—and remember, Career Consultants are happy to guide you on how to use it effectively! |
| Be Aware of Employment Scams | When searching for jobs or internships, it’s important to stay alert for potential scams—especially when exploring positions outside of Binghamton’s Handshake. Common warning signs include requests for personal or financial information upfront, job offers without interviews, or anything that seems “too good to be true.” To learn more about what to watch for, see real examples, and find out how to protect yourself or respond if you encounter a scam, check out Employment Scam Information – Binghamton University. Staying informed helps you pursue opportunities safely and confidently. |
Drop-ins: When classes are in session, Monday-Friday, from 12-4 p.m., you can visit our office to schedule a 20-minute drop-in with our staff.
Appointments: You can schedule your 30-minute career session on Handshake. These are offered all year and can be done virtually and in person.
Online Resources: Visit uConnect, our virtual career center that is always accessible to support your career needs.
Picture Source: Gemini (AI-generated image by Google Gemini)
Office Support: Thank you to the B-Engaged staff for making it easy to compile information, and thank you to Trish for providing several other organizations to include in the student organization section.
Website Sources: Special thanks to the organizations, industry experts, and thought leaders who share valuable career resources, research, and articles with the public. Your work provides important insights that support students’ career development.
- The Theatre Department
- School of the Arts Opportunities
- The External Scholarships and Undergraduate Research Center (ESURC)
AI Assistance: Portions of this resource may have been developed with support from AI tools (such as ChatGPT by OpenAI or Gemini), used to help synthesize research, generate summaries, and refine formatting. All final content has been reviewed and customized for Binghamton University students.
