According to the National Center for Education, over 19 million students were projected to attend a college or university in the fall of 2020. College offers further education and helps individuals prepare themselves for success in the job market. One method of preparation is involvement in college activities.
One of the most popular is honor societies. Millions of students across the United States are currently part of an honor society. Keep reading to learn all about honor societies and the benefits of joining one.
Honor Societies: Prestigious College Activities
Honor societies are clubs or organizations that recruit students for excelling in a particular field. Scholastic honor societies are probably the most common. These honor societies recognize students for maintaining a particular GPA, or for their rank among their class of peers.
These societies also recognize students for character traits, or for showing promise in volunteer and leadership positions.
1. Offers Community
One of the first benefits of joining an honor society is that it offers an avenue for meeting new people. Especially for college freshmen, an honor society provides a like-minded community with similar education and career drive. This community also encourages better academic performance.
2. Financial Aid and Job Opportunities
Plenty of honor societies offer grants and scholarships to their members to offset the cost of tuition.
Honor society members are also more likely to receive jobs or internships through networking. People that join honor societies typically stay involved long after graduation. This leaves new and incoming members with a host of alumni connections that can provide information on available positions.
3. Improve Leadership Skills
Honor societies help their members become better leaders. They offer opportunities for mentorship by allowing new members to connect with established alumni in particular fields. Additionally, plenty of societies conduct seminars and conferences that talk about
4. Study Abroad
Plenty of colleges and universities offer study-abroad and experiential learning programs. These programs allow students to travel all over the world and take classes. Immersing oneself in diverse cultures is a rich educational experience and can be especially beneficial for developing language skills.
While most students have opportunities to participate in these programs, honor society members have even greater options.
Study abroad gives students life experience that future employers will typically look for during an interview.
5. Resume Booster
Belonging to an honor society is a great way to boost the resume.
The academic requirements that most societies require will demonstrate a great work ethic and determination. These are character traits that appeal to most companies. Furthermore, the leadership training and experiences that are gained throughout involvement in a society can set you apart from other applicants.
6. Introduction to College
Finally, getting involved early on at college can be a great way to introduce oneself to the campus, faculty, and student population that a university has to offer. College is a difficult transition for most students and many struggle with feelings of homesickness. These societies offer the chance to give even the largest campuses a small-campus feel.
Personal and Professional Development
Going to college and getting involved in college activities is the perfect way to further develop yourself personally and professionally. Although honor societies have numerous benefits, there are tons of organizations on campuses that can be the next best step in securing your goals.
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