Business Organizations for Business Students

• Beta Alpha Psi
• Beta Gamma Sigma
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda
• Association of Latino Professionals for America

While seeking an education in business, entrepreneurial activities, or finance, membership in business organizations for students can help a student gain valuable experience, develop professional connections, and expand on an education received from a university. Not only do students have access to student-led organizations, but there are also a number of excellent national organizations with broad and narrow focuses on business. Membership in these organizations can help a student during college with opportunities for internships, as well as assist students after college when the time comes to seek out employment. Here are five top business organizations for students to consider.

1. Beta Alpha Psi

College students enrolled in a degree program for business, accounting, or finance may find it beneficial to belong to Beta Alpha Psi, which is The International Honor Organization for Financial Information Students and Professionals. Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program who are majoring in accounting may find the meetings and professional connections available through the society beneficial. Many school campuses have local chapters of this organization, which was founded in 1919 and counts more than 300,000 members.

2. Beta Gamma Sigma

Like Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma is an organization for honor students in college which requires a single, one-time fee for entry and then offers students assistance throughout their careers. Each year, the society holds a Global Leadership Summit, and students can join the society via a local branch on their campus. The only requirement for a student's entry into the organization is that he or she is enrolled in a degree program that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.

3. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

The goal of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is to "advance management education worldwide," which has allowed the school to accredit more than 750 business schools around the world. The organization holds frequent seminars around the world in places like Mumbai, India and Tampa, Florida on topics like business accreditation, strategic thinking, and creative problem solving. Seeking out a program accredited by AACSB ensures the business program a student chooses meets important standards in business, finance, and accounting education.

4. Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA-PBL) has chapters across the United States and describes itself as the premier organization for business students. There are more than 230,000 people who belong to the organization who are already engaged in business careers, as well as currently enrolled in business schools. The organization hosts a leadership conference each year and also focuses on providing a number of services to members like leadership development, educational programs, and academic competitions.

5. Association of Latino Professionals for America

The Association of Latino Professionals for America is an organization that seeks to improve opportunities for Latinos around the country who seek professions in areas like accounting, finance, and similar areas. The organization helps students in a variety of ways through mentoring, experiential leadership, and networking. The organization boasts connections with more than 200 Fortune 1000 companies. Career growth and professional development are the most important focuses of the organization.

Not only can membership in a professional association help a student develop professional connections while still enrolled in college, but it can also bolster the student's resume after graduation. While it's not necessary for a student to belong to every business organization, membership with a few different groups can greatly expand a student's access to business conferences, job fairs, internships, and extracurricular activities. All students in college business programs should consider membership in a respected business organization for students and career-minded individuals while still enrolled in college.

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