When you first arrive on campus, your mind is likely on finding classes and adjusting to life with a roommate, not your future career. But it’s perfectly normal.
As things settle, you may start thinking about how to make your time at the University count in the long run. That’s where professional RSOs come in.
These student-led groups connect you with peers in your field, help you gain practical experience and develop skills that prepare you for life after graduation.
Whether you know what you want to do or are still figuring it out, joining one can open unexpected doors right before you.
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College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences
The National Agri-Marketing Association provides students with the opportunity to develop and pitch mock products that benefit the agriculture industry, combining marketing, leadership and teamwork.
Open to all majors, NAMA offers hands-on opportunities beyond the classroom.
“Our mission focuses on creating a product and marketing plan that we present at the national NAMA conference each spring,” said Julia Podgorni, NAMA president and senior in ACES. “It’s a great space for students to gain real-world experience in (agricultural) marketing, finance and design.”
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences supports underrepresented students through career exploration, networking and workshops.
Students interested in hospitality can also explore the Hospitality Management Association, which offers site visits, alumni panels and career exposure in tourism and event planning.
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Illinois Model United Nations allows students to travel, debate policy and simulate international diplomacy.
The Society of Women in Public Affairs supports women interested in law, government and public service through panels, workshops and networking events. Ava Basolo, junior in LAS, joined SWPA her first year after meeting members at Quad Day.
“I saw myself growing here, both personally and professionally,” Basolo said.
Through SWPA, Basolo improved her speaking skills, gained confidence in interviews and landed a summer internship.
“The workshops, especially those on leadership styles and public service, helped me shift my perspective and work better in teams,” Basolo said.
Other RSOs in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences include the Undergraduate Psychology Association, ideal for students pursuing careers in mental health or research. It offers faculty connections, guest speakers and grad school resources.
The Economics Club hosts study groups, faculty talks and company information sessions, while the Global Studies Professional Society focuses on international careers and global policy.
Gies College of Business
The Association of Latino Professionals For America aims to empower students through development and leadership opportunities.
“Our goal is to help students enter interviews, internships and leadership roles as the most professional version of themselves,” said Ashley Mandujano, ALPFA’s internal vice president and junior in Media.
Members can attend resume workshops, coffee chats and recruiting events with firms like EY, Deloitte and Abbott.
“When I joined as a freshman, I didn’t know what a resume was — ALPFA helped me build one, create a LinkedIn and feel confident reaching out to professionals,” Mandujano said.
ALPFA is Latino-based but open to students of all backgrounds and majors.
Other RSOs in the Gies College of Business include the Accounting Club, which connects students with firms and CPA prep, and the American Marketing Association, which offers branding experience and national case competitions.
The Grainger College of Engineering
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers offers academic support and a national career network.
The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers provides mentoring, networking and research presentation opportunities for Black students in STEM.
Additional Colleges
The Social Work Student Association, rooted in the School of Social Work, hosts service projects and speaker events.
In the College of Fine and Applied Arts, Flashpoint Photography Club helps students sharpen technical skills and build creative portfolios.
