Professional associations are organizations that bring together people working or studying in the same field or industry. They often offer valuable resources like networking events, job boards, industry news, mentorship programs, and opportunities to attend conferences or earn certifications. Many associations offer discounted student memberships, so it’s a smart way to get involved early in your career journey.
Joining a professional association—even as a student—can help you:
Learn more about your chosen field
Connect with professionals and potential employers
Find internships or job opportunities
Stay updated on trends and best practices
Build your resume and professional identity
Attend Events (In-Person or Virtual): Conferences, webinars, and chapter meetups are great places to learn, ask questions, and connect with professionals and other students.
Tap Into Member-Only Resources: Use job boards, internship databases, industry reports, and newsletters to stay informed and find opportunities.
Join a Student or Local Chapter: Many associations have student-led groups or regional branches where you can meet others in your field and get involved in leadership roles.
Volunteer or Get Involved: Help organize an event, write for a student newsletter, or serve on a committee. It’s a great way to stand out and build your resume.
List Your Membership on Your Resume & LinkedIn: Being active in a professional association shows initiative, professionalism, and a real interest in your field.
Below is a selection of professional associations across a range of fields. This list is not exhaustive, so we encourage you to consult with a faculty member to discover additional organizations they recommend for your area of interest.
American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO): Focuses on the science of aquatic environments, including oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Marine Conservation Group: A network dedicated to promoting marine conservation through research and policy work.
National Marine Educators Association (NMEA): Provides resources for students and educators to advance marine education and outreach.
American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS): Offers resources for biology students and professionals, including networking and career opportunities.
Ecological Society of America (ESA): Focuses on the science of ecology, with many resources for students in biology fields.
Society for Conservation Biology (SCB): Promotes the science and practice of conserving biodiversity globally.
National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP): Offers a community of environmental professionals and access to job boards, certifications, and conferences.
Earthwatch Institute: A nonprofit that connects students to field research projects, helping advance environmental conservation efforts.
North American Association for Environmental Education: A network dedicated to advancing environmental literacy and civic engagement through high-quality environmental education across North America.
American Management Association (AMA): A leading organization for professional development, offering resources and training for individuals and businesses.
American Marketing Association (AMA): Provides resources for marketing students, including job boards, webinars, and career development tools.
Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO): A global network for entrepreneurs, providing support, learning, and growth opportunities.
American Psychological Association (APA): Offers a wealth of resources for psychology students, including journals, conferences, and networking opportunities.
Association for Psychological Science (APS): A scientific organization for researchers, students, and professionals in the field of psychology.
National Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi): A great option for psychology students to access research, scholarships, and networking opportunities.
American Counseling Association (ACA): The ACA is the largest professional organization for counselors in the U.S., offering ethical guidelines, continuing education, and advocacy for the counseling profession.
American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA): AMHCA supports clinical mental health counselors through credentialing, professional resources, and policy advocacy to advance the field.
International Association for Counseling: Promotes the development of counseling worldwide by supporting ethical practice, professional standards, and global collaboration among counselors and organizations.
American Society of Mammalogists (ASM): Supports students and professionals in the field of mammalogy through research, conferences, and networking.
American Society of Animal Science: The American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) is a professional organization that promotes the advancement of livestock and animal science through research, education, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Provides resources for pre-vet students and animal health professionals.
Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP): A key organization for writers, offering conferences, job boards, and networking opportunities.
Poets & Writers: A national nonprofit organization that provides resources for aspiring writers, including opportunities for publication and grants.
The Authors Guild: Offers resources and advocacy for writers, as well as networking opportunities for students pursuing writing careers.
American Society of Journalists and Authors: A professional organization that supports independent nonfiction writers with resources, networking, advocacy, and career development opportunities.
American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA): A professional organization for theatre critics, but also offers events and networking opportunities for students and emerging writers.
Theatre Communications Group (TCG): Focuses on strengthening the theatre community and offers students a chance to network, attend events, and find job opportunities.
International Thespian Society (ITS): A global honor society for theatre students that provides recognition and resources for aspiring theatre professionals.
American Medical Association (AMA): Offers resources for students pursuing medical careers, including internships, job boards, and networking opportunities.
National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP): Provides information for students interested in health professions, including certifications, job boards, and networking.
American Association of Pre-Medical Students (AAPS): Supports students on the path to medical school with resources, networking, and application assistance.
American Political Science Association (APSA): A key organization for students interested in political science, offering journals, events, and networking opportunities.
Pre-Law Society: Supports pre-law students with resources related to law school admissions, scholarships, and networking.
International Studies Association: A global organization that fosters scholarly research, teaching, and collaboration in international affairs, global politics, and related disciplines.