Professional Associations: Not Just for "Grown Ups"
by Career Associates in ,

Hi, Moriah here again!



One often overlooked area of many resumes is professional associations. Maybe people assume that they aren't qualified to join them since they're not yet professionals. But having the connections that come along with professional association memberships can give you inside knowledge and direct your attention to important areas of your field. Here is a compilation of several other benefits.

Joining while still a student is a much better deal than waiting until after graduation. Some organizations have minimal $10-35 fees for a one -year student membership. (Full memberships for professionals can reach $100.)

Along with getting cheaper dues, you can begin to refocus your attention from classroom knowledge to the mainstream culture of your field. Discover who is the Brad Pitt of geology and the J-Lo of finance. Learn about the lesser-known or hot subfields of your discipline.

Staying informed about the ins and outs of your field is important to impressing interviewers. Like employer research, participation in a professional association will show increased dedication and commitment in your interviews. A candidate that demonstrates genuine interest in his/her field stands out head and shoulders above a candidate who merely went through school and got a degree.

Professional association memberships also tell a lot about your professional development. If you know enough to join an organization and follow the activities and information it puts out, employers will see that you are concerned with your professional development and are likely to be a more motivated worker.



These are only a few of the outside benefits of association membership. For a database of hundreds of associations, see Associations Unlimited. Don’t neglect this potential asset in your career development!
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Overcoming the Balancing Act: Moving Stress Off Campus
by Career Associates in

Hello~ My name is Lindsay and I am a double major in Organizational Communication & Sociology... I will be graduating this May! I am also currently planning my early June wedding, working part-time, & trying to finish up my end-of-college course requirements, etc., while also attempting to enjoy my last semester. As I was thinking about my weekly "to do" list, a few thoughts came to mind about how college students are (or are not) creating a healthy balance in their lives. Needless to say, the following advice is something I am working on myself!

How often have you heard about or been encouraged to maintain a work/life balance? I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I have noticed that students appear to be expanding the meaning of the word work. We have taken the idea of a work/life balance and turned it into a _____/life balance. You fill in the blank: school work, projects, part time jobs, significant others, friendships, extracurricular activities, job searches, and so much more. It is truly profound how students (for the most part) are managing so well, but what are we sacrificing to make it all happen?

I guess what I’m trying to say here is… take a break! Relax. Beat the balancing act and designate time for yourself and for things that make you happy. As college students, I think we are often in the position of being tempted to try and “do it all,” when, in reality, we are simply spreading ourselves too thin. While the responsibilities of college life will not disappear, try prioritizing them and be sure to set aside time for yourself; preferably doing something you enjoy. Watching TV, renting a new movie, exercising, catching up with friends, attending a sporting event, going to the mall, taking a nap, journaling… anything ring a bell?

Also, please be sure to designate some quality time with your pillow. Yes, your pillow. I can bet you will get more out of this as opposed to spending that same time with your textbook and a Mountain Dew (or whatever vice you may have) at 2:00 in the morning. And I am almost positive you will perform better on your exam or project as well.

With all of the pressures and responsibilities in life, take some time to figure out what really needs to get done and what can maybe wait until tomorrow. People usually prefer to feel happy and in control of their lives… doing all you can to move stress “off campus” may just make you one more person that others love to be around! Best wishes in your own little balancing act. :)
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