Get Associated: Join a professional membership organization

Posted on: June 2, 2008

Columbia College has tons of student organizations. In addition to school work, involving yourself in an organization is practically a must in developing your body of work. The listing will look good on your resume and there may be activities initiated by the group that could be used in your portfolio.

While being active in student groups is a great start; don’t limit yourself to campus connections. Remember: you ultimately want to be a professional so start smoozing with the big dogs (or mid-size dogs) now. Nearly every industry has a professional membership organization. If you’re unsure of the exact names of associations relevant to your interest; usually a general internet search with the industry followed by associations, such as “film associations,” will bring up either several direct links or a link with a compiled list.

Joining a professional organization gives you access to numerous resources that may be offered through the association, including industry insights, educational seminars, and social networking events. Plus, once you begin making contacts you’ll have more leverage to get the scoop on jobs, informational interviews and informal portfolio reviews. The best time to network is before you need the contacts.