Bridging Academia and Industry: The Influence of Student Club Engagement on Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, and Skill Development

Demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging remains an organizational strategy to address inequalities in the workplace. Academic institutions play a role in aiding organizations to build a capable workforce that can navigate and contribute within diverse settings. Several microcosms exist within the academic world that have implications for the workplace, among these include student engagement and leadership in extracurricular activities, such as student clubs. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the influence of student-club leader diversity on club demographic composition that needs to be explored. This narrative review serves as a call to action for future research to investigate these considerations and the potential influences and benefits to the workplace. Furthermore, this narrative highlights the documented benefits of student club participation in the workplace, including improved employee skill development, increased ability to collaborate and think critically, and enhanced workplace retention.