Graduate students in the environmental sciences and environmental engineering can turn to a variety of excellent resources for current information about their fields of study, professional development, and other pertinent topics. Full-time students can often pay reduced fees for membership in professional organizations.
Air and Waste Management Association (A&WMA)
A&WMA promotes global environmental responsibility by providing a neutral forum for information exchange, professional development, networking, public education, and outreach to more than 8,000 environmental science and environmental engineering professionals in over 60 countries. Benefits for student members include networking opportunities, the association’s monthly publications, access to the association’s job bank, and discounts on conferences, workshops, and courses.
Minority Environmental Leadership Development Initiative (MELDI)
MELDI, a Center of Excellence in the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan, provides a comprehensive online resource with links to numerous environmental organizations, government agencies, and corporate entities in the United States and around the world. Students preparing to be an environmental scientist find MELDI to be an invaluable resource for diversity initiatives, leadership development, career resources, employment, and internship opportunities. MELDI also serves as an introduction to the myriad of professional organizations in the environmental science field.
National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)
NAEP is a multidisciplinary, professional association dedicated to the promotion of ethical practices, technical competency, and professional standards in the environmental field. Student members can use the association as a resource for structured career development, networking, learning about employment and internship opportunities, attending association events, and staying current with environmental news through the association’s journals, publications, and newsletters.
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
SETAC is a worldwide professional society comprised of individuals and institutions that study, analyze, and find solutions for environmental problems; manage and regulate natural resources; provide environmental education; and are involved in research and development in the environmental sciences. SETAC is a forum that allows for interdisciplinary communication among environmental scientists, such as biologists, chemists, and toxicologists, and others interested in environmental issues, such as managers and engineers. Students enjoy discounts on SETAC meetings and events and receive monthly and quarterly journals. Other benefits include a mentorship program, networking opportunities, a vehicle for applying for various awards and fellowships, and the opportunity to post a resume or vitae on SETAC’s website.
Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS)
SWCS is a non-profit organization that serves as an advocate for conservation professionals and for science-based conservation practice, programs, and policy. With members around the world, SWCS conducts a variety of activities via more than 70 chapters at local, state, and provincial levels and on university campuses. Student members receive a subscription to the monthly journal and online newsletter and discounts on conferences and SWCS publications.
Water Environment Federation (WEF)
The Water Environment Federation is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization representing more than 85,000 water quality and environmental engineering professionals. An environmental scientist who joins WEF benefits from education, training, and business opportunities; international networking among members; access to the WEF job bank; discounts for conferences, seminars, workshops, and publications; and subscriptions to “Water Environment & Technology” and “Federation Highlights.”
