Student and Professional Organizations
Gain Experience through Student Organizations
Student organizations can be a great way to develop skills, learn about career fields and have fun. Getting involved with student organizations can build experiences to share with employers on your resume and in interviews. Additionally, the skills acquired and utilized through involvement in student organizations such as planning events, running meetings or problem solving transfer readily into work settings.
Follow your Interests. Stritch has a number of student organizations to choose from including professional organizations, service groups, student government and clubs for different majors. Each organization offers opportunities for leadership and learning. Student organizations can be a great way to try out different interests as well.
Take Charge. Whether you join a student organization to make friends or make a difference, pursue leadership roles within your organization to get even more out of the experience.
How Professional Organizations Can Help
Professional organizations are local, national or international groups comprised of members who work or are interested in a specific career field. Professional organizations often focus on continuing education or professional development, advocacy or advancing professional standards.
Publications: Many professional organizations have their own newsletters or journals, which are an excellent way to learn more about a career field and current issues.
Involvement: Involvement in a professional organization can include volunteering at conferences or with research projects, joining a committee or issue-based list serve, taking on a leadership role and much more. Getting involved with a professional organization can be an effective way to build relationships (and network) with professionals in your field.
Membership: Membership rates vary among professional organizations. Some organization Web sites offer a great deal of free information while others require membership and a log-in more immediately. Many organizations offer a student rate, so be sure to inquire check for this option.
For Students: Often, professional organizations will offer a “for students” link or Web page providing information about opportunities for students or information about pursuing a particular career field.
Job Search Resources: Many professional organization Web sites will contain a job search or career link with information about job postings or job search tips for a particular career field.
Find a Professional Organization
Click here for a list of local professional organizations in various career fields.
Internet search engines are a great place to start your search. Searching for your career field along with “professional organization” often yields a helpful list. Asking colleagues, professors or networking contacts about their involvement with professional associations can be another effective way to learn about opportunities.