Key Membership Resources & Information to Share with Your Network

By Patrick Beecher PE, Nominee for 2021 ASCE Texas Section President-Elect

Thank you for taking the time to read this article!  I know you may be reading this between multiple conference calls and episodes of Tiger King or other favorite series, so I’ll try to be brief. 

Ddi you know ASCE has an enormous amount of resources available to help support its members and attract new members? This is our blessing and curse.  The blessing is obvious in the significant value that is offered to members at either free or reduced costs.  The curse it that is difficult to effectively communicate all this information to you so that you can take advantage of these resources.  Today, I have boiled it down to three items I would like to share with you and ask that you share with others:

Corporate Services

ASCE has programs geared toward companies of various sizes that help you gain access to memberships, training courses, recruiting services, technical content, and conference sponsorships at discounted rates.  For more information, please email [email protected].

The “Ask”

As I previously mentioned, ASCE generates an incredible amount of information and communication.  Each Section and Branch does a great job preparing quality and timely newsletters and impactful content for websites, social media, and more.  While necessary and beneficial, none of these activities can compete with one ASCE member engaging another member in conversation and asking if they would be interested in joining a committee or becoming an officer. 

By making the “Ask”, you are strengthening relationships, taking an active role in building up others, and creating opportunities for leadership development and professional growth.  I am where I am at today because others have taken an interest in me, and I am happy to say that I have had the opportunity to share that good fortune by making my own “Asks”.   

Students

It is vital to attract student members and motivate them to transition to associate members with ASCE after graduation.  When communicating with students, remember these key messages:

1. Networking – ASCE finds and connects new members to network of friends, colleagues, and mentors who share similar interests and passions.
2. Career Advancement – ASCE is loaded with tools and opportunities to develop technically and professionally. 
3. Volunteering & Leadership – Be a part of an organization that is shaping the profession and giving back to the communities they serve.  In addition, committee and officer positions within ASCE give young engineers the opportunity to develop as a leader far sooner than possible in most companies. 

For the students reading this article, make sure the employers you are considering value ASCE and will support your involvement in ASCE.  Not all companies will.  Remember that you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you.  Make a wise and informed choice. 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read and consider these words!  I look forward to sharing additional information with you in the future in this space to help add value to your membership, encourage you to make that “Ask”, and be on the lookout to support the next generation of ASCE members!