4 Benefits to Joining Your Industry’s Organization

 If you’re a STEM professional beginning your career in your field, you may think now that your formal education has come to a close that the learning has ended. I’m here to tell you that the wise will tell you to be a forever student. Well if that is the case, you may ask where do you start? I have a few tips that can get you started.

1. Finding Your Industry’s Organization (s)

Most STEM fields of study, well any field for that matter has an official organization that steers the scholarship, research, innovation,  etc. of that particular area. Most of the time, there are several. 

My field is cosmetic science/personal care manufacturing, for example. The industry organization of which I am a member is the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. You don’t have to work specifically as a chemist to join, just work in the industry. The American Chemical Society is another popular and reputable organization representing those across various disciplines in chemistry. Because I am a Black woman, I am also a minority in STEM and my experiences are unique compared to the majority, therefore I am active and support the Black in Chem organization. 

Asking your peers, advisors, and professors what your organizations are, is a good starting point. The well-established orgs will have a website, at minimum, and many now have social media accounts.

2. I’ve Found My Industry’s Org, Now What?

You have identified the organization of your field and you may see the membership fees and begin asking yourself if it is worth it to join. Yes, yes it is! Joining often gives you access to free or reduced prices professional development resources such as webinars or self-paced courses. Some even give scholarships and grants. Going to the annual conference or if there are chapters, your chapter’s annual meeting can be a great opportunity to learn and network.

3. Future Opportunities

If you want to gain more skills in research, writing, or even looking for new employment opportunities, job boards and newsletters may be the first place to look and often you get first dibs before the masses.

4. Friends and Mentorship

If you are the only one in your family and/or friend group, it can seem lonely not having anyone to lean on when it comes to your career. Having friends and/or mentors within your career sphere can lift you up and keep you motivated.

If these tips helped you feel free to leave a comment below along with any other comments you may have.