Yes, membership in the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) can be a significant asset on your resume, offering a proven boost to your professional profile by highlighting leadership, academic achievement, and personal development.
Navigating the early stages of your career can feel like a puzzle. You’re eager to land that first internship or job, but you’re wondering how to make your resume stand out. Many students and recent graduates face this challenge, often questioning the value of extracurricular activities and organizations. Does being part of a group like the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) actually help? It’s a common concern, and the good news is, it absolutely can! We’re here to break down exactly how NSLS can give your resume the competitive edge it needs, making your job search a little less stressful and a lot more successful.
Understanding the NSLS: What It Is and Why It Matters
The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is the largest and most recognized collegiate leadership honor society in the United States. Founded in 2001, its primary mission is to help students discover and achieve their goals through leadership development and success strategies. It’s more than just a club; it’s a structured program designed to cultivate essential skills that employers actively seek.
Membership in NSLS is typically earned through academic achievement and a commitment to personal growth. Students are often invited based on their GPA and leadership potential. Once a member, they engage in a series of steps that include attending leadership training, speaker broadcasts, and peer group meetings. This comprehensive approach aims to build well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact.
Why is this important for your resume? Because employers are looking for more than just good grades. They want candidates who can lead, communicate effectively, solve problems, and demonstrate a proactive approach to their development. NSLS provides a tangible framework for developing and showcasing these very qualities.
How NSLS Membership Enhances Your Resume
Adding NSLS to your resume isn’t just about filling space; it’s about strategically presenting your qualifications in a way that resonates with hiring managers. Here’s how it makes a difference:
1. Demonstrates Leadership Potential
The core of NSLS is leadership development. By participating in the program, you actively engage in activities designed to hone your leadership skills. This can include:
- Taking on roles within your NSLS chapter.
- Leading discussions in peer group meetings.
- Organizing or participating in service projects.
- Learning and applying leadership theories.
When you list NSLS on your resume, you’re implicitly communicating that you’ve invested time in developing these critical leadership competencies. This is a powerful signal to employers that you have the potential to inspire and guide others.
2. Highlights Academic Achievement
NSLS membership is often tied to academic performance. Many chapters require a minimum GPA for invitation and continued membership. This means that by being a member, you’re already showcasing your academic diligence and ability to succeed in a rigorous educational environment. This can be particularly impactful for recent graduates or those with limited work experience.
3. Showcases Commitment to Personal Growth and Development
The NSLS program encourages members to set and achieve personal and professional goals. Through its structured curriculum, members are exposed to strategies for success, time management, and overcoming obstacles. This dedication to self-improvement is highly valued by employers, as it suggests you are a motivated individual eager to learn and grow within an organization.
4. Provides Tangible Accomplishments and Skills
The NSLS program isn’t just theoretical; it requires active participation and the completion of specific steps. These accomplishments can be translated into concrete points on your resume, such as:
- Completed Leadership Training: Shows initiative in skill development.
- Attended Speaker Broadcasts: Demonstrates engagement with industry leaders and new ideas.
- Participated in Success Networking Team (SNT): Highlights teamwork and collaborative problem-solving.
- Completed Service Projects: Illustrates community involvement and social responsibility.
These are specific, actionable achievements that hiring managers can easily understand and appreciate.
5. Offers Networking Opportunities
NSLS connects students with peers, faculty advisors, and successful leaders through its speaker broadcasts and events. While not always directly listed on a resume, the skills gained from networking – communication, building rapport, and professional etiquette – are invaluable and can be subtly demonstrated in your resume’s language and your interview performance.
Where to List NSLS on Your Resume
The placement of NSLS on your resume depends on your career stage and the overall emphasis of your application. Here are a few common and effective places:
1. Activities or Extracurricular Activities Section
For students or recent graduates with less professional experience, this is often the most appropriate place. It allows you to showcase your involvement outside of academics.
Example:
Activities
National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) – [Your University Chapter Name]
• Completed Leadership Development Program, enhancing skills in communication, goal setting, and strategic planning.
• Attended monthly speaker broadcasts featuring industry leaders, gaining insights into diverse professional fields.
• Collaborated with peers in Success Networking Teams to achieve collective goals.
2. Leadership Experience Section
If you held a specific leadership role within your NSLS chapter (e.g., President, Secretary, Event Coordinator), you can create a dedicated “Leadership Experience” section. This emphasizes your ability to manage responsibilities and lead initiatives.
Example:
Leadership Experience
National Society of Leadership and Success – [Your University Chapter Name]
• Vice President of Chapter Development | [Start Date] – [End Date]
• Led bi-weekly meetings for 50+ members, fostering engagement and skill-building.
• Organized and executed campus-wide leadership workshops, increasing member participation by 20%.
• Mentored new members, guiding them through the NSLS program requirements.
3. Honors and Awards Section
If NSLS is considered a significant honor at your institution or if you received specific recognition within the society, you can list it here. This is particularly effective if you want to highlight academic excellence alongside leadership.
Example:
Honors and Awards
National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) – Induction | [Year]
• Recognized for academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.
Crafting Compelling Bullet Points for NSLS
Simply listing “NSLS Member” isn’t enough. To truly leverage your NSLS experience, you need to translate your involvement into impactful bullet points that use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Think about what you did and what the result was.
Action Verbs to Use:
- Led
- Managed
- Organized
- Developed
- Facilitated
- Collaborated
- Initiated
- Mentored
- Presented
- Achieved
Quantifying Your Achievements:
Numbers make your accomplishments more concrete and impressive. Consider:
- The number of members you interacted with or led.
- The percentage increase in participation you helped achieve.
- The number of events you organized or contributed to.
- The duration of your involvement or leadership role.
Example of a Weak vs. Strong Bullet Point:
- Weak: Was part of NSLS meetings.
- Strong: Facilitated weekly peer group discussions for 15 members, focusing on goal setting and overcoming academic challenges, resulting in improved member engagement.
- Weak: Attended speaker events.
- Strong: Attended 10+ speaker broadcasts from national leaders, synthesizing key insights on career development and innovation into actionable personal goals.
NSLS vs. Other Leadership Organizations: A Comparative Look
While many organizations offer leadership opportunities, NSLS stands out due to its structured, comprehensive approach and national recognition. Let’s compare it briefly to other common student involvements:
| Feature | NSLS | Student Government | Club Leadership (e.g., President of a Hobby Club) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Holistic leadership and success skills development. Structured program with clear steps. | Campus representation, advocacy, policy-making. Practical governance experience. | Club management, event planning, member engagement within a specific interest. |
| Skill Development | Broad range: communication, goal-setting, strategic thinking, overcoming obstacles, public speaking. | Negotiation, public speaking, advocacy, budgeting, teamwork, project management. | Teamwork, event planning, communication, management, delegation. |
| Recognition | National honor society, often tied to academic achievement. | Campus-specific recognition, can be highly visible. | Chapter-specific recognition, impact varies by club size and activity. |
| Resume Impact | Signals academic diligence, commitment to personal growth, and structured leadership training. Broad appeal. | Demonstrates experience in governance, policy, and advocacy. Strong for roles requiring these skills. | Shows initiative and management skills within a specific domain. Good for roles related to the club’s focus. |
NSLS offers a unique blend of academic recognition and practical leadership training that is broadly applicable across many industries. While other organizations provide valuable experience, the structured nature and national scope of NSLS can offer a particularly strong signal to employers looking for well-rounded, driven candidates.
Testimonials and Real-World Impact
Don’t just take our word for it! Many NSLS members have shared how their involvement positively impacted their job search. Here’s what some have experienced:
- Sarah K., Recent Graduate: “I was hesitant to put my NSLS membership on my resume at first, thinking it was just another club. But when I framed it using the skills I developed – like leading my Success Networking Team and presenting my goals – interviewers really responded. One interviewer specifically asked about the leadership program, and it led to a great conversation about my problem-solving abilities. I got the internship!”
- David L., Junior Analyst: “As someone transitioning careers, I needed to highlight my transferable skills. My NSLS experience, particularly the speaker broadcasts where I learned from CEOs and entrepreneurs, gave me concrete examples of how I’m proactively developing myself. It showed my commitment to learning and growth, which I believe was a key factor in landing my current role.”
- Maria P., Student: “Being part of NSLS gave me the confidence to apply for leadership positions on campus and eventually for internships. The structured goal-setting and accountability within the program helped me stay focused, and listing my NSLS accomplishments on my resume made me feel much more qualified when I applied for my first big summer internship.”
These examples illustrate how articulating your NSLS experience effectively can open doors and create meaningful dialogue during the hiring process.
Frequently Asked Questions About NSLS and Resumes
Q1: Is NSLS a legitimate organization?
Yes, the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is a highly reputable and the largest collegiate leadership honor society in the United States. It is recognized by many universities and employers.
Q2: Do I need to have held a specific role in NSLS to put it on my resume?
No, simply being an inducted member who has completed the core program requirements is valuable. If you held a specific role (like chapter president or treasurer), definitely highlight that for added impact.
Q3: How much detail should I include about NSLS on my resume?
Focus on 2-3 bullet points that highlight key skills gained or accomplishments achieved. Use action verbs and quantify results if possible. Think quality over quantity.
Q4: Should I mention NSLS if I have a lot of professional work experience?
If you have extensive professional experience, you might place NSLS in an “Honors” or “Activities” section rather than a primary “Experience” section. However, if your NSLS involvement involved significant leadership or project management that complements your professional roles, it can still be a valuable addition.
Q5: Can listing NSLS help me get into graduate school?
Yes, graduate school admissions committees often look for evidence of leadership, commitment, and personal development. NSLS participation can demonstrate these qualities, strengthening your overall application.
Q6: What if my university doesn’t have a formal NSLS chapter?
NSLS is a national organization, and membership is typically through a university chapter. If your university doesn’t have one, you generally cannot become a member through that channel. However, focusing on other leadership opportunities available on your campus will still be beneficial for your resume.
Conclusion: Investing in Your Future with NSLS
Deciding whether to include an organization like the National Society of Leadership and Success on your resume is a strategic choice. The evidence strongly suggests that NSLS offers a tangible boost, equipping you with skills and experiences that employers actively seek. By demonstrating leadership potential, academic diligence, and a commitment to personal growth, your NSLS membership can set you apart in a competitive job market.
Remember, the key is not just to list NSLS, but to articulate your involvement effectively. Focus on the skills you’ve developed, the achievements you’ve made, and the impact you’ve had. By crafting compelling bullet points and strategically placing this valuable experience on your resume, you’re not just adding a line item – you’re showcasing a proactive investment in your own success. So, embrace your NSLS journey and let it be a powerful stepping stone toward achieving your career aspirations. Your future self will thank you for it!