Most people in finance know that membership in professional associations is essential for career success. They offer the networking and continuing education resources necessary to progress and stay current in the field. Many of these organizations are as beneficial for students as they are for professionals. The following finance professional organizations offer student memberships to assist amateurs and budding professionals in building the foundations of their careers.
Related Resource: Top 10 Affordable Master’s in Finance Online Degree Programs
American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants
The American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) is one of the largest organizations in the field. The student memberships are open to full-time and part-time students attending both domestic and international universities. Non only is it free to join, but members are also eligible to apply for a wide variety of scholarships. Memberships include discounts on conferences, publications, services, and products.
Young CPA Network
AICPA also sponsors the Young CPA Network. This organization is exclusive to students, recent graduates, and new employees. It offers resources beyond that of the AICPA student memberships, including access to the CPA Exam Candidate Affiliate for around $75. The more involved students and young professionals become with AICPA early, the larger networks they will build, and the quicker they will establish successful careers.
Institute of Management Accountants
The Institute of Management Accountants, also known as the Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business, has a strong focus on research and literature. This is a great organization for students to join early in the educational process, as it opens up a wide variety of materials useful in coursework. Student members enjoy access to scholarships, academic and career support, student-centered chapters, leadership opportunities, and many discounts.
American Accounting Association
The American Accounting Association (AAA) offers memberships to students at discounted rates. These memberships include access to all of the AAA publications and opportunities to attend meetings at the regional, sectional, and national levels. AAA also offers a special membership unique to doctoral students. It is tailored to the needs of students in the final stages of their academic journeys transitioning into the work force.
Professional Accounting Society of America
The Professional Accounting Society of America (PASA)is highly committed to the success of its collegiate members. These members will enjoy scholarship opportunities and discounts, networking geared specifically towards connecting students with professionals, resume-building opportunities, the ability to both access and publish work in online journals, and attendance at many events nationwide. It is entirely free to join.
Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance
The Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) is a must for female students. Women still experience a great deal of discrimination and added challenges within this field. Joining the AFWA as a student assists women in overcoming these barriers. These memberships offer all of the same benefits as the other organizations for one low price, with the added benefit of a female empowerment experience.
Many students are reluctant to join professional finance associations, because they fear they do not belong. On the contrary, associations such as these designed student memberships because they are passionate about including students in the development of the field. Furthermore, they are committed to assisting students in achieving their academic and career goals.
