Handbook | Professional Societies and Associations

10. Professional Societies and Associations

Many departments encourage their graduate students to join professional societies and associations. While many of these societies may be chapters of national societies in the related field of study, several of them are informal groups of graduate students participating in activities to supplement the academic learning experience. The activity level of a particular society or chapter depends on the level of involvement of the membership. Membership in professional societies, particularly at the national and state/regional level, greatly enhances professional development and your chances of making valuable job contacts before the end of your studies.

For advice about which society to join, please speak to your advisor. You may also want to check out societies in fields close to your field of study to see if they are of interest to you. Student membership in national societies or institutes is usually available at a lower cost than full membership and often includes a subscription to the relevant journal or magazine. Most associations also offer scholarship opportunities and reduced registration fees for conferences to student members. For individual society details, contact the appropriate department.