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 unanimous 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). With so many benefits like assisting students with internships or full time jobs, scholarships to dedicated 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) – Like AIST, ASME is also a non-profit organization consisting of diverse group of professionals from students to 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, internship and job searching and getting a chance to participate in some students competitions.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – Like the previous organization, 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 and later upgrade to professional membership after their graduation.

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. With an entrance fees of 10$, students can enjoy various benefits like subscription to Pittsburgh Engineer Magazine, discounted registration fees to the many technical and social events and many 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) along with making 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, students can get course materials for the FE/PE exams at discounted prices after their membership.

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 in the energy industry, the membership to this organization being free. There is 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) – Being an IT trade association, 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 science discipline. With some of its advantages like helping its members to make new connections they need, introducing them to any company or individual from their extensive network and helping tech companies find talented individuals to expand their human resources; PTC has loads of membership benefits especially for the students residing in and near Pittsburgh area.

Green Building Alliance (GBA) – Apart from all these technological organizations, if someone is 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$.

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’ page here https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikitagoswami/

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