The benefits of joining professional organizations

When I suggest to college students to join one or two professional associations, they usually give me a look of disbelief and confusion.  “I am not a professional, yet,” is a usual response.  Or, “It’s too expensive.”

They could not be more wrong!!

Professional organizations are one of the best sources for college students to explore career options, expand and enhance a professional network, and identify and develop leadership skills.   Some skeptics may argue that student organizations fulfill a similar role.  I beg to differ.  Although student organizations offer an excellent forum for students to develop as leaders, the experience is mainly at the peer level.  Meanwhile, professional organizations provide college students with the chance to interact with peers from other schools and professionals who could later become mentors or, better yet, employers.

If I were to summarize the benefits of joining a professional organization in one word, I would choose opportunities.  More specifically, professional organizations offer college students significant benefits such as:

Resources.  In the form of scholarships, supplies (e.g. notebooks, phones), free training and professional development, tutoring, and mentoring.  Human resource departments of large corporations usually have a college liaison that works with colleges and professional organizations. 

Jobs and internships.  Future employers welcome the chance to get know and to groom their prospective employees.  Every networking event creates an opportunity to meet decision makers from companies that could lead to an invitation to an open house or an interview.

Leadership development.  Becoming a member of a professional organization places college students at the forefront of leadership roles.  By getting involved in committees, members learn about collaboration, team work, delegation and accountability—all while developing and executing a project.

So, next time you hear about an upcoming event hosted by a professional organization in your field of interest, think twice before turning it down flat.

In terms of cost, most student memberships for a year period are on average $25.  Imagine:     How much would you invest to increase your chances of getting the job of your dreams or finding the mentor you always wanted? Would that value be $25?

If you liked this post, you might also like:

Best way to find a job

Are you about to commit honesticide?