Since your Freshman year of college, you have been working hard to stay on top of your college game. You keep a calendar to maintain due dates, have color-coded syllabi, turn in all assignments by their due dates, and email professors with questions. While exhausting, you take the dreaded 8 a.m. class and read every single word in the weekly assigned readings. Just when you are feeling like you cannot go a mile further, you see that perfect grade appear in your D2L grade book. Clearly, you are managing your heavy load like a complete boss. If only there was some way you could be recognized beyond Grandma’s weekly phone call. Well, actually there is. Joining an honor society is one of the best ways you can nationally recognize your academic achievements. In fact, gaining membership comes with a multitude of benefits that will truly last a lifetime. Here are five benefits that will surely convince you that joining is worthwhile.
- National Recognition
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You feel like you deserve to have your name and academic achievements nationally recognized. You don’t want to brag, but you are a boss and want everyone to know. Of course, you could never get tired of Grandma sending “You’re my little star” text messages with dancing cat GIFs. However, national recognition would be just as special. If you feel like this, joining an honor society is definitely for you. Many honor societies host yearly new member induction ceremonies. Upon joining a local chapter, new members can participate in this ceremony at their university. Similar to a graduation ceremony, the names of new members will be announced and certificates, pins, medals, and cords will be awarded. Also, family members are welcome to attend and cheer as you grace the stage and accept your membership memento. Now that is the recognition you have been looking for!
- Scholarships
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No money? No problem! Right now, you might be drowning in tuition and a multitude of fees. With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, you may have acquired new financial obligations. Thankfully, honor societies are on the dock with a life jacket. To combat student debt, honor societies offer scholarships. These scholarships range anywhere from $500 to $10,000, only require a simple essay and are sometimes renewable. Concerned that your chances will be 1 in 1 million? Many honor societies offer scholarships that are specific to certain race, gender, sexual orientation and disability groups.
- Internship and Study Abroad Opportunities
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Need an internship or a study abroad experience? Honor societies have you covered. Many honor societies partner with major companies that either facilitate or offer internships and study abroad experiences. Honor Society, a national collegiate honor society has provided thousands of students with internships through their partnership with Dream Careers. The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is partnered with The International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP) and Semester At Sea to provide students with study abroad experiences in countries such as Africa, Costa Rico, China and New Zealand.
- Networking
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Honor societies are riddled with awesome networking opportunities. Similar to universities, honor societies are heavily supported by accomplished alumni members. Thankfully, there are many alumni members who generously provide support to current students. As a result, honor societies give students the opportunity to network with alumni. Oftentimes, these alumni members have already established groundbreaking careers in the industries you are pursuing. With this experience, they can personally provide industry opportunities and contacts. Also, honor societies oftentimes host leadership summits, national conventions, and town hall meetings. At these events, many local, national, and international professionals such as Byron Pitts, Valerie Jarret, and Tanya Acker are available for networking and can provide industry advice. Convinced yet?
- Discounts
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Like any other week, you have worked hard to complete assignments and ensure that they all get turned in by their due dates. Now, you are ready to participate in some much needed retail therapy. However, in being a “scholar” you have used almost all of your money on required books. In other words, you are the epitome of the broke college student. Your pockets are definitely suffering, but fortunately your happiness does not. Many honor societies such as The National Society of Collegiate Scholars offer discounts that can be redeemed at major retailers such as Target, ModCloth, AMC Theaters, HP, Babbel, Hello Fresh and Office Depot. Some even provide discounts on vacation essentials such as lodging, car rentals and amusement park tickets. Thankfully, many of these discounts are not minor. Yes, some discounts are as high as 75% off. Target, here you come!
Now that you know just some of the benefits of joining an honor society, you might be completely convinced. Great! Congratulations on becoming a student of excellence!