Students of pharmacology don’t just stand to gain a lot of information about their field during their time in college. They can also give back to the field themselves by joining institutions like the American College of Pharmacology (accp.org). Professional organizations serve their members, educational institutions, and the field itself.
Why join a professional association?
The old adage that there is strength in numbers holds true in this instance. Students who are studying pharmacology will be able to get further in their career if they network with others in the field to expand the vast body of existing knowledge and ongoing research. No one who simply does as much as it takes to get by in any career will go far in that career. For those who strive to go above and beyond in everything they do, professional organizations are one of the best ways to get more involved in that field, expand employment opportunities, and continue learning about the field as the years go by. Here are just a few of the benefits of membership.
– Networking opportunities: Get out there and get to know the biggest and brightest names in the field of pharmacology. More importantly, let them get to know you. When you’re seen and heard, it’s more likely that you’ll make an impact in your field.
– Continuing education: Students who are studying pharmacology are actually studying the sum total of all knowledge in that field. They might not be learning more recent information that is fresh in the field. When you join professional organizations, you’re more likely to hear about the most recent research in pharmacology rather than just well-known info printed in textbooks.
– Increased curiosity: Passion for the field of pharmacology will grow when you’re a member of a professional organization. You’ll be in closer contact with information about the field each day and have more opportunities to talk about that knowledge with others. When you repeat what you’re learning, and hear it discussed back and forth often, your passion for the field of pharmacology will grow.
Joining online or off
If you’re a college student, you’ll likely have information about professional organizations at your fingertips. It’s easy to sign up through the University or online. These associations are welcoming to almost everyone who studies in the field of pharmacology in today’s schools.