Professional associations

Joining your relevant professional association provides you with:

• latest industry information
• labour market information
• industry and graduate jobs listings
• e-newsletters
• opportunity for a professional listing on their website
• career information
• on-line discussion forums
• events, workshops and professional development and training seminars
• use of their libraries and bookshops
• e-learning opportunities
• subscriptions to professional resources, journals and other publications
• current information on policy and other developments affecting your industry
• opportunity to start developing a professional network

Most professional associations offer a range of services and information essential to your professional development.  Joining as a student member will give you the edge once you start seeking graduate positions and membership looks great on your resume.  Student membership is often relatively inexpensive, as professional associations recognise that students are operating on limited budgets.

Some professional associations also offer student members opportunities for:

• mentoring
• vacation work programs
• study tips and assistance
• employer profiles