The Importance of Joining a Professional Association as a Mercerian!
Students are strongly encouraged to join a professional organization during their years of academic study. Organizations typically give college students a significant membership fee discount. Some organizations will continue the discount for “new professionals” during the first year out of college.
If you are wondering what organizations exist, check out the following resources. You will find that there are organizations in just about every industry and function, from the national mega-size and well known associations to the small, local, and lesser known ones.
Tips for Discovering Professional Organizations/Associations:
- Try an online search for organizations using various keywords related to your skills, industry, credentials, training, etc. Example: “professional association for ________”
- Talk to the Mercer faculty in your department. Ask them for recommendations for the specific career or academic field you are interested in.
- Utilize the “What Can I Do With This Major?” tool provided by Mercer’s Career Center. It provides degree-specific guidance on career options, categories of employers (beyond the obvious ones), and strategies for pursuing a job. It also provides an extensive list of professional organizations related to each major! Access this comprehensive resource by visiting the “What Can I Do With This Major?” page.
- Click the “View All Majors” link.
- Select Your Major.
- See a list of affiliated professional associations at the bottom of the web page.
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Consultant in the Center for Career and Professional Development. We are ready to assist you with finding orgs and making an informed choice about your memberships.
Engage
Once you have joined a professional association/organization, make a plan to engage with the members! Most orgs offer routine online and in-person events, including professional development trainings, annual conferences, business meetings, and social networking events. Don’t just become a member to say you did, be sure to commit some time to engage and build relationships. Then, watch your career get on the fast track!