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It may be tempting to save networking for after getting a degree, but that might not be the wisest course of action. Professional organizations usually consist of networkers, educators and mentors who can provide students with additional tools and skills they didn't learn in the classroom.

Benefits of joining professional business organizations as a student

Professional business organizations help their members become better professionals by providing them with opportunities to build strong networks, increase their knowledge base with continued education, practice interview techniques through mock interviews and more. They offer a diverse range of benefits students can start reaping sooner rather than later.

The best part about joining these organizations is the insight that many students seeking business degrees find helpful when looking to enhance their careers.

For example, joining professional organizations may offer such advantages as:

• Networking opportunities: Joining a business organization means access to its network. They offer their members the chance to meet and connect with other business professionals who can help one another in their careers. Students may find this helpful when preparing for a job search.
• Mentorship: Professional business organizations provide mentors who are established professionals. These mentors can help students navigate the business world while offering guidance on success.
• Career resources: Organizations often provide business students with industry resources that can help them enhance their careers after business school. For example, an organization might provide students with business opportunities and access to job postings and potential business contacts.
• Education and training: Organizations provide their members with access to continued education and training programs, which may be valuable and instructive for students enrolled in business degree programs. These opportunities help business students stay up to date on business trends and learn how to conduct business properly.
• Membership discounts: Business organizations often offer student members discounts on products and services.
• Scholarships and internships: Many organizations offer scholarships and internships to business students. Scholarships are often available to students who wish to enter a specific career or professionals who want to enhance their careers.
• Professional and personal skills: Business students learn to develop their professional and personal skills. These skills can include public speaking, operations management, time management and so on. Students may find this especially useful for future job positions.
• Leadership skills: Joining business organizations can help students develop leadership skills. Students may have the opportunity to hold positions of authority and learn how to lead others.

When choosing an organization to join, it’s important to consider its business degree requirements and how the association can be of benefit. 

Examples of professional business organizations

From marketing to finance, the different organizations out there can attract students of virtually any persuasion. The five examples below offer a sampling of such organizations that business students may find beneficial. 

American Business Association

The (ABA) is a nonprofit organization that works to meet the objectives and demands of small firms, self-employed people, independent contractors and entrepreneurs.

Objectively speaking, it’s fairly easy to join the ABA. Fill out an application, and a representative will reach out.

Overall, the organization provides professional, lifestyle and health-related benefits, and advocacy opportunities so members have a voice on issues that potentially impact their success. 

American Marketing Association

The is an organization designed to promote business ethics and standards. Its mission is to advance the understanding, study, practice and ethical development of marketing worldwide.

Prospective AMA members must have a business degree or be interested in business. The AMA counts business students and business professionals among its members. In addition, it provides many benefits such as job boards, training and tool kits. 

Future Business Leaders of America - Phi Beta Lambda

is the world’s largest business career and technical student organization. Its mission is to help students become globally aware business executives by providing relevant career education and leadership opportunities.

Individuals can join FBLA-PBL via direct membership. Students who attend a school without an existing PBL club, may find this is the perfect opportunity to participate in events and network with other students.

FBLA-PBL helps business students develop their business skills and offers opportunities for scholarships and competitions. It also has a job board and provides mentors and business resource access.  

Beta Alpha Psi

is an international honor and service organization geared toward financial and business information students as well as industry professionals. Its goal is to help shape, inspire and support its members into ethical and professional leaders.

Among the organization’s eligibility criteria is a degree specification: A student must have an accounting, finance, business analysis or digital technology concentration at a chapter university to join this group.

The organization offers students various services, including professional development and advocacy skills. 

Tips for finding professional organizations

When it's time to find an organization that fits the student's interests, here’s where to start:

• Talk to a campus career advisor. A career advisor or campus career center will help find business organizations that match a student's skills and interests. Additionally, they’re the perfect people to talk to for career advice.
• Research business associations online. Although this may seem self-explanatory, it isn’t necessarily easy. There are all types of business associations and student organizations online. Look for one that fits with interests or a business degree program.
• Stick to the business associations that have been around for a while. This suggests the business association meets a high level of professionalism. Older associations are also likely to have bigger networks to connect with!
• Attend events. This is one of the best ways to get firsthand experience of the business association. Events can range from business panel discussions to social events.

Overall, there are several ways to find the right business organizations. The most important thing is to do research, ask around and attend events. This will help make the best decision for a business career. 

Tips for joining professional organizations

Once a student has decided on a business association to join, there are several ways to do so. The first step is usually to fill out an application and pay any necessary dues. Aside from these basics, there are a few more things to consider to join a professional organization.

• Keep an open mind. Students who are not sure which business association is right for them might try attending events and conferences hosted by various business associations to learn more about them.
• Take notes. Write down key points during business association events or meetings.
• Do research ahead of time. Verify the professionalism and credibility of a business association beforehand. This may include researching the organization’s code of conduct, ethics and grievance process.
• Ask questions. If a student is unsure about something, they should ask the business association members for more details.

Joining professional business organizations along with pursuing a degree

Pursuing a business degree is an ideal opportunity to join any of the several business organizations. ������Ƶ offers business programs to prepare for a business career, including:

• Bachelor of Science in Business
• Bachelor of Science in Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Competency-based MBA

Contact ������Ƶ for more information.