What Activities Will You Need to Complete After Orientation NSLS?
The real‑world checklist that turns a fresh‑out‑of‑school graduate into a life‑long leader.
Opening Hook
You just walked out of the NSLS orientation room, coffee in hand, feeling like you’re on a mission. The room buzzed with future leaders, and the keynote speaker promised a lifetime of growth. But the real question is: *what’s next?
You’ve got the badge, the network, and the motivation. Now you need a game plan. That’s what we’re diving into today Surprisingly effective..
What Is NSLS Orientation?
NSLS orientation isn’t just a handshake and a brochure. Now, it’s the launchpad that introduces you to the National Society of Leadership & Success culture, values, and resources. Think about it: think of it as the first chapter of a book you’re about to write. It covers the basics: your membership benefits, the annual events, and the mentorship structure That's the part that actually makes a difference..
The session is made for set you up for the after orientation activities that make the society worthwhile. It’s a one‑time deep dive, but the real work starts once you step out Small thing, real impact..
Why It Matters / Why People Care
You might wonder why you need more than a single orientation session. Think about it: * You signed up to grow, to network, and to lead. The short answer: *membership is a promise.If you skip the follow‑up activities, you miss out on the full value—networking events, skill‑building workshops, and the chance to earn leadership credits Worth keeping that in mind. Still holds up..
Real talk: people who dive into the post‑orientation tasks reap the most benefits. They get leadership roles, internships, and a community that keeps pushing them forward. The ones who don’t? They often feel the membership is just a shiny badge that never translates into real opportunities.
How It Works (or How to Do It)
After you finish orientation, you’ll need to tackle a series of structured activities. They’re designed to keep you engaged and to help you earn your leadership points. Here’s the breakdown:
### 1. Complete the Membership Survey
- Why? The society uses the data to tailor future events.
- How? Log into the NSLS portal, find the “New Member Survey” tab, and answer all questions. It takes about 10 minutes.
### 2. Join a Local Chapter
- Why? Chapters provide local networking, volunteer opportunities, and mentorship.
- How? Search your city on the NSLS website, request to join, and attend the next chapter meeting. Most chapters meet monthly.
### 3. Enroll in a Leadership Workshop
- Why? Workshops earn you leadership credits that count toward your NSLS certification.
- How? Browse the “Workshops” section in the member dashboard. Pick one that aligns with your career goals—public speaking, project management, or conflict resolution.
### 4. Find a Mentor or Become a Mentor
- Why? Mentorship is a core NSLS pillar. It accelerates learning and expands your network.
- How? Use the “Mentor Matching” feature. If you’re new, start as a mentee. Once you’ve completed a few workshops, consider becoming a mentor.
### 5. Volunteer for an NSLS Event
- Why? Volunteering boosts your resume and helps the society thrive.
- How? Check the “Events” calendar. Sign up for roles—registration, social media, or logistics. Many events need volunteers every semester.
### 6. Earn Your Leadership Credits
- Why? Credits are required to complete the NSLS Leader Certification.
- How? Track your credits in the “Credits” tab. Each workshop, event, and mentorship session counts toward your total.
### 7. Update Your Profile and Resume
- Why? A polished profile attracts recruiters and fellow members.
- How? Add your new certifications, workshop titles, and volunteer experiences. Link your LinkedIn profile for maximum visibility.
### 8. Participate in the Annual Leadership Conference
- Why? The conference is a flagship event that showcases your progress and connects you to industry leaders.
- How? Register early through the NSLS portal. Bring a portfolio of your completed activities to showcase your growth.
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
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Treating it as a one‑off event
Many members think orientation is the end. The society’s real power lies in ongoing participation. -
Skipping the local chapter
Chapters are where the real networking happens. If you stay in the virtual bubble, you miss out on face‑to‑face connections Simple, but easy to overlook. Practical, not theoretical.. -
Underestimating the mentorship value
Some think mentorship is only for those who need help. In reality, it’s a two‑way street—both mentor and mentee learn. -
Neglecting to track credits
The dashboard can be tricky. If you don’t keep tabs, you’ll miss deadlines and lose out on the certification Less friction, more output.. -
Forgetting to update your profile
A stale profile feels like a dead end. Recruiters and peers scan it quickly The details matter here..
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
- Set a monthly reminder for chapter meetings and workshops. Your phone’s calendar is a cheap, effective tool.
- Create a “NSLS journal.” Write a quick note after each activity—what you learned, who you met, and how it ties into your goals.
- put to work the alumni network. They’re often more than willing to share advice and open doors.
- Use LinkedIn to showcase your NSLS journey. Post about workshops you attended or speakers you met.
- Pair up with a buddy. Find another member who’s also fresh out of orientation; hold each other accountable.
FAQ
Q1: Do I need to complete all activities to stay a member?
A1: You don’t have to finish every single task, but completing core activities—chapter participation, workshops, and mentorship—keeps your membership active and benefits unlocked.
Q2: How many leadership credits do I need for certification?
A2: The standard requirement is 12 credits, but it can vary by chapter. Check your dashboard for your specific target.
Q3: What if I can’t attend a workshop in person?
A3: Many workshops are now hybrid. If you can’t make it, see if a virtual option is available.
Q4: Can I volunteer for events outside my local chapter?
A4: Absolutely. Cross‑chapter volunteering broadens your network and gives you diverse experiences Small thing, real impact..
Q5: Is there a cost to these activities?
A5: Most workshops and events are free for members. Some specialized certifications may have a nominal fee, but it’s usually covered by the society.
Closing Paragraph
You’ve finished orientation, and the real journey is just beginning. Worth adding: by tackling the activities outlined above, you’ll transform that initial buzz into lasting leadership skills, a strong network, and a portfolio that sets you apart. Remember, the NSLS isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment to continuous growth. So roll up your sleeves, dive in, and let the leader in you thrive.
A Roadmap for the First Six Months
| Month | Focus | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundation | Complete orientation, audit your dashboard, join your first chapter meeting. |
| 2 | Skill Building | Attend at least two workshops—one on communication, one on project management. |
| 3 | Mentorship | Secure a mentor, set quarterly goals, start the mentor‑mentee journal. |
| 4 | Community | Volunteer for a chapter event, introduce yourself on the forum, post a LinkedIn update. Here's the thing — |
| 5 | Reflection | Review credit progress, identify gaps, adjust your action plan. |
| 6 | Showcase | Compile a mini‑portfolio of certificates, feedback, and project summaries; share it with your network. |
How to Turn the Roadmap into Reality
- Visualize the End Goal – Picture the certification badge hanging on your wall or the “NSLS Certified” badge beside your LinkedIn headline. That image is a powerful motivator.
- Chunk the Tasks – Break each month’s focus into weekly micro‑tasks. A 15‑minute reminder in your calendar for “Draft workshop reflection” is easier to stick to than a vague “work on skills.”
- Seek Accountability – Pair up with a fellow member whose goals align with yours. Check in twice a month; the social pressure alone can lift you over procrastination.
- use Technology – Use project‑management tools like Trello or Notion to track credits, deadlines, and reflections. Tag each activity with the relevant credit category for instant visibility.
- Celebrate Small Wins – Every time you complete a workshop or publish a reflection, reward yourself. A coffee, a short walk, or a favorite snack can reinforce the habit.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
| Pitfall | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Over‑loading the first month | Trying to finish everything at once leads to burnout. | |
| Stalling on the final certification | Waiting until the last minute to submit paperwork. | |
| Treating mentorship as a one‑way street | Expecting the mentor to solve all problems. | Allocate 20 % of your time to leadership or community credits; they’re often easier to earn and highly valued. And |
| Neglecting feedback loops | Without feedback, improvement stalls. In real terms, | |
| Ignoring the “soft” credits | People think only technical credits matter. | Focus on orientation and one workshop. Consider this: |
Beyond the NSLS: Translating Membership into Career Impact
- Resume Enhancement – List the NSLS certification, highlight leadership credits, and quantify achievements (e.g., “Led a team of 5 to complete a community service project in 3 weeks.”).
- Interview Storytelling – Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe workshop projects or mentorship experiences.
- Professional Development – Many employers recognize NSLS as a marker of initiative. Mention it in cover letters and networking conversations.
- Entrepreneurial Edge – The problem‑solving mindset cultivated through workshops can be applied to startup projects, grant writing, or consulting gigs.
Final Thoughts
The journey from orientation to certification is less a linear path and more a series of deliberate choices. But each workshop you attend, each mentor you engage with, and each credit you earn builds a mosaic that showcases your growth. Rather than seeing the NSLS as a box to check, treat it as a living ecosystem that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and leadership.
Remember, the real value lies not in the badge itself but in the habits you cultivate: continuous learning, purposeful networking, and a commitment to serve. As you move forward, keep the following mantra in mind: “Leadership is a practice, not a position.” Embrace the practice, and the position will follow—both within the society and in the wider world Less friction, more output..
