The field of engineering has numerous organizations, which help students connect to a community of experts. Listed below are some such organizations and their membership fees. These organizations can provide valuable experience and great networking opportunities!
Association of Iron and Steel Technology (AIST)

It is a global organization of people working constantly towards promoting developments in iron and steel industry. Students can join AIST by becoming a member of Material Advantage with a low-cost membership of 30$. Material Advantage gives students the membership to three other organizations apart from AIST- the American Ceramic Society, American Society of metals (ASM) and the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS). AIST offers many benefits like assisting students with internships or full time jobs and even scholarships. They are dedicated to students and an opportunity to work as session monitors in AISTech. AIST is an extremely advantageous for graduates and undergraduates aspire to pursue their career in the steel industry.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

ASME is also a non-profit organization consisting of diverse group of students, managers, and executives. With an objective of collaborating with all engineering majors, ASME develops solutions to help the engineering community. With a 25$ membership cost, students receive benefits like unlimited access to many journals and publications. Access to internship and job searching. Plus a chance to participate in some students competitions.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

ASCE is a beneficial organization striving towards the advancement of civil engineers and related fields. With a free membership, students can join this group of civil professionals. After graduation they can upgrade to professional membership.

Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP)

This organization aims towards the growth of various engineering, architecture and applied sciences professions along with allying together for the career developments of the future generation of engineers. The entrance fees is 10$. Students can enjoy various benefits like subscription to Pittsburgh Engineer Magazine, discounted registration fees to the many technical and social events, and many other networking opportunities.

Society of Military Engineers (SAME)

SAME collaborates with public and private sector individuals and organizations for the betterment of America’s national security. SAME unites organization from various disciplines like architecture, engineering, environmental management, project planning, and other related fields to resolve infrastructure related challenges.

National Society of Professional Engineers

This is one of the very few organizations which recognizes the interests of professional engineers (PE). They also help new students understand the importance of becoming licensed in this vast population of students searching for jobs. Students who are enrolled full-time in any graduate engineering program or in an ABET accredited engineering program can join this organization for free. Apart from excellent networking opportunities, student members can get course materials for the FE/PE exams at discounted prices.

Young Professionals in Energy (YPE)

Another non-profit organization, YPE has many members across different parts of the world. This is a good opportunity for graduates to seek full time opportunities and the membership is free. They host a series of exciting events year-round in which you take part and grow your network and meet other young professionals like you.

Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC)

PTC helps tech companies grow by helping them in different domains like business and workforce. They have a diverse population of members ranging from IT engineers to people working in Life sciences. Some of its advantages include helping its members to make new connections, introducing them to companies or individuals from their extensive network and helping tech companies find talented individuals. PTC has loads of membership benefits especially for the students residing in and near the Pittsburgh area.

Green Building Alliance (GBA)

Are you interested in making a contribution in protecting the environment and making it healthy? Then GBA is a prefect organization to join! By fusing their knowledge and innovative ideas, GBA works towards healthy and green places. They have three main branches in Greater Pittsburgh, northwest Pennsylvania and Laurel Highlands. Students can join this association in just 25$.

Toastmasters International

If you are looking to enhance qualities like leadership development and communication skills, this is an excellent organization. Toastmaster helps in empowering individuals to become effective leaders by encouraging them to give speeches, leading teams, and mentoring others. This global organization prioritizes the development of the above mentioned skills for the personality development of its members. The members have 6 month fee of 45$.

National Society of Black Engineers

With more than 500 chapters and nearly 16,000 active members in the U.S. and abroad, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the United States. NSBE, a is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975. They support and promote the aspirations of collegiate and pre-collegiate students and technical professionals in engineering and technology.  NSBE’s mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”

Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers

Industrial and systems engineers make things better in any industry — from automobile manufacturing and aerospace, to healthcare, forestry, finance, leisure, and education. The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, founded in 1948, helps its members improve complex organizations around the world and across industries. Throughout their careers, members turn to IISE for tools and connections that provide an integrated and systemic perspective to business challenges. Solving complex problems is our common objective.

Take advantage of resources that will help you advance your career or find a job with IISE student membership, available for enrolled full-time students as defined by your university or college.

Student Membership: $37^*

With these wonderful such organizations students of all majors can enjoy so many benefits at an affordable costs. Don’t miss these opportunities!

By Nikita Goswami and Thomas A. Anderson

Visit Nikita Goswamis’ LinkedIn page here https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikitagoswami/