With the daunting amount of clubs, fraternities and associations on a college campus, it may be difficult for students to decide which are worth joining and which aren’t. Many students may choose to be a part of an organization that holds fun events on campus that will give them experience in their chosen field or are just of interest to them. One type of organization that students should look into joining are the Honor Societies.
There are many different Honor Societies both nationally and internationally, and there are even some that are specific to students of certain majors. Regardless, they all have one thing in common: multiple benefits for its members, who are all like-minded and excel academically. Most Honor Societies will send out invitations to join to students who are eligible (based on GPA and the number of credits completed). Some have applications that can be submitted for acceptance into the organization. Each group also has certain criteria that must be met in order to become a member.
Students are not limited to a single Honor Society; you can join as many as you would like. Keep in mind, however, that most organization have joining fees that can range from $20 to $200 and some may even have an annual fee. They also may require a certain amount of time to be committed to the organization (i.e. attending a monthly meeting, volunteering a certain amount of hours, etc.). If you feel you have the academic standing and the time to commit to joining an honor society, you should.
Honor Societies offer many benefits to their members, such as the following:
Networking opportunities. When you are an active member of an Honor Society, you will meet many students sharing similar goals to your own and probably leave with a few longtime friends. Most Honor Societies offer lifelong memberships, and many events are open to alumni. It is a great chance to meet and network with people who are already in the workforce, which could land you an internship or job offer if you are talking to the right people.
Resume booster. Extracurricular activities do matter. Graduate schools and future employers look for Honor Society membership in their applicants. It shows that you stood out from the rest of your peers and possess leadership skills. This will make you stand out from other applicants as well.
Getting involved on campus. Being in an Honor Society may involve attending events on campus or volunteering. Being a part of something bigger than yourself and making an impact at your university while in school is something that will stay with you for years after you leave, and help you make new acquaintances on campus as well.
Prestige. You are a part of a society that usually only accepts the top performing students. It’s nice to be recognized for your achievements and your hard work. You also get access to exclusive social events through the organization
Scholarships and Opportunities. Many Honor Societies offer leadership positions or study abroad opportunities to their members. Some also offer many scholarships to help ease the financial burden of college. You may even be able to get scholarships to put towards a post-graduate education.
