Last Updated on July 31, 2023
Let's be real, college isn't just about hitting the books. It's about preparing for the real world and your future career. One way to do this? Joining a professional association, of course! Here we'll dive into the college professional associations benefits that'll skyrocket your career.
What Are College Professional Associations Anyway?
To summarize, college professional associations are organizations where students can connect with other like-minded individuals in their field. Think of them as small versions of your future work. Isn't it amazing to think that you have access to such rich platforms?
Power Up Your Career with College Professional Associations Benefits
The question is, what exactly are these college professional association benefits that we're raving about?
Networking – It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know
This old saying still holds true in our highly connected world. Through college professional associations, students can create valuable connections with industry professionals. But don't take our word for it, check out this Ted talk: “The 3 Bones of Networking for Student Success” where a student bagged their dream internships and jobs, all thanks to networking within their association!
Sharpen Your Skills & Knowledge
Remember the workshops, seminars, and conferences we mentioned earlier? These aren't just fun and games. They give students great chances to learn new skills and keep up with industry trends. Another winning point for student professional association benefits!
Become a Leader, Not Just a Follower
Did you know you can hold leadership positions in these associations? Yeah, you heard right! It's a golden opportunity to flex those leadership muscles that employers drool over.
Guided by the Best in the Business
Have you ever wished you had a mentor who could help you with your career? Well, guess what, many associations offer mentorship programs! Yes, another win for the benefits of student professional associations.
Boost That Resume
Active participation in associations shows initiative, leadership, and commitment to your profession. It's like a shining beacon on your resume, screaming, “Hire me!”
Choosing Your Future Success Platform
Wondering how to pick the right association for you? It's all about aligning the association's purpose with your career goals. And hey, below is a short list of some popular professional associations for different fields for you to get started with.
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA): The largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. AMSA is a student-governed, national organization that promotes active improvement in medical education.
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): The world's largest educational and scientific computing society that delivers resources that advance computing as a science and a profession.
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE): This is a student-governed, nonprofit organization that helps improve the recruitment and retention of African-American engineering students. Its mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.”
- American Marketing Association (AMA): One of the largest marketing associations in the world, AMA provides resources, education, career and professional development opportunities.
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE): SWE is a not-for-profit educational and service organization that empowers women to succeed and advance in the field of engineering.
- American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA): AIGA is the professional association for design. It is committed to advancing design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force.
Students should choose an association that aligns with their academic pursuits and career goals. They should also consider the resources and support the association offers its members.
Ready to Join?
We've explored the student professional association benefits; now it's time for you to take the leap. Start researching College Professional Associations available at your HBCU today, and supercharge your career!
College Professional Association FAQs
What are some popular College Professional Associations for HBCU students?
Some popular College Professional Associations for HBCU students include the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), American Marketing Association (AMA), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).
What are the 3 types of professional associations?
Generally, professional associations can be grouped into three types: Trade Associations (associated with specific trades), Professional Associations (focused on professions requiring specialized training or knowledge), and Professional Societies (more exclusive groups often requiring certain achievements for membership).
Which is an example of a professional association?
An example of a professional association is the American Marketing Association (AMA), which is a leading group for marketers and offers resources, education, career, and professional development opportunities.
What is the major purpose of a professional association?
The main goal of a professional association is to promote the interests of people in a certain profession and the public interest of the profession as a whole. It also helps people in the profession share information, connect with each other, and speak up for their interests.
Why join a professional association as a student?
As a student, joining a professional association gives you many benefits, such as the chance to meet professionals in your field, improve your skills and knowledge through workshops and seminars, develop your leadership skills, get career advice and a mentor, and give your resume a boost.
How can I balance my academic workload with association responsibilities?
Managing your time well is important if you want to do well in school and in your clubs. It's important to put things in order of importance, plan your schedule well, and not take on too much. Remember that these things are meant to help you with your schoolwork, not to replace it.
Can joining a College Professional Association help if I'm unsure about my career path?
Absolutely! When you join a professional association, you can learn about different career paths in your field. Through networking and having a mentor, you can learn more about different career paths and make a better decision about your own.
Are there costs associated with joining these associations?
Yes, most professional groups do charge a fee to join. But many of them offer student discounts. For more information, it's best to check with the association in question.
How can I make the most of my membership benefits in a student professional association?
Act on your membership to get the most out of it. Attend workshops and seminars, offer to be a leader, attend networking events, and take advantage of opportunities to work with a mentor. The more you take part, the more you'll get out of it.
Charles Sipe writes for Sociology Degree Programs, an informational website for learning about a career in sociology and social work. You can follow Charles on Twitter to learn more.
