This summer, I applied to be a campus ambassador for a non-profit organization called Forte Foundation, whose mission is to advance women’s careers in business through professional development opportunities and industry education. As a business major myself, I thought that this was the perfect opportunity for me to explore my options in the financial services industry as well as expand my network to be connected with like-minded peers from across the nation who can provide me with a sense of community and a dose of inspiration.
As college students, I’m sure we all know that being a part of a community is vital. This is why I am a prominent advocate for more women to be involved with professional organizations. Not only will not only be able to grow your network and meet passionate individuals like yourself, but you will also be able to stay ahead of the game with professional updates on what is happening in your industry. Professional organizations can support you with numerous ways to develop novel skills, promote personal and professional growth, and gain access to exclusive opportunities that can further your personal and professional goals.
If you’re interested but wondering where in the world you can find professional organizations to join right now, you’re in luck and you’ve come to the right place–I have compiled a list of five powerful organizations you might want to get involved with. Browse the list of women’s organizations below to find the one that fits your personal aspirations!
- Built By Girls
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Built By Girls is also a powerful women’s organization catered to the undergraduate student body. Its goal is to prepare and advance female (and non-binary) students in a wide variety of technology industry careers. The organization boasts an incredible mentorship program called WAVE that pairs undergraduate students with professionals in the tech industry. The one-on-one sessions each semester are designed to help you explore your professional goals and develop skills necessary that will allow you to grow both personally and professionally in the industry. Built By Girls also has an ambassador program where you can gain valuable leadership experience and connect with more students interested in tech. If interested, check out their site!
- Girls Who Invest (GWI)
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GWI is a non-profit devoted to “increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry.” To all my fellow female finance majors: this is your calling! GWI has an extensive network of undergraduate women as they partner with a variety of undergraduate institutions to support their educational and professional goals. GWI also offers a selection of programs for women undergraduate finance students such as the Summer Intensive Program (SIP) that includes a 10-week education and paid internship or the Self-guided Online Intensive Program (OIP). See more ways you can get involved on their webpage!
- Women Who Code
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Women Who Code is an international non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young women to pursue and excel in technology careers. It offers an extensive range of membership benefits such as coding resources, 1700+ annual events, leadership and professional development opportunities, scholarships, and more. With more than 100,000 members, this is truly a well supported community of female coders where networking and mentorship is valued. Check out their website here!
- American Association of University Women (AAUW)
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AAUW is a non-profit organization that aims to further equity for women and girls in a variety of fields, including STEM, through education, training, leadership, and advocacy. The organization empowers women through training workshops to strengthen personal and professional skills, networking events to connect with more ambitious, savvy women nation-wide, and online courses or seminars/webinars. AAUW also has fellowship and grant programs for eligible members. Check out their website for more details!
- Forte Foundation
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Forte is another non-profit organization with a powerful alliance of undergraduate, graduate students, universities, and corporations. The organization extends a variety of options to explore and accelerate your career in business through exclusive events and webinars with female executives and industry professionals, undergraduate leadership and business conferences, and undergrad or MBA forums. Similar to Built By Girls, members can enjoy a multitude of programs such as an ambassador program and Career Ready Certificate Program, which is a self-guided educational roadmap of activities that will provide you with industry knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. Once you earn the certificate, you will also be able to access an exclusive Career Center that allows you to attend networking events and open you up to exclusive job opportunities. For more details, click here!
And of course, don’t forget to show your support to our favorite women’s organization: Her Campus!