How to Start a Student Chapter
Does your campus have…
- An active communication, public relations, journalism or other related department?
- A faculty or staff member willing to become chapter adviser and receive complimentary IABC membership?
- Student interest in IABC?
If you answered yes, then you’re already well on your way! Email studentservices@iabc.com today or call +1 415- 544-4714 and find out how to take the lead and bring IABC to your campus.
Looking for the chapter affiliation agreement and/or model chapter bylaws? (Tip: if you’re starting a student chapter, you should be!) Email Student Services if you need copies of these important documents.
OBJECTIVES
As an IABC student chapter leader, you will strive to:
- Advance understanding, cooperation and exchange of ideas between student members.
- Promote interaction between students and professionals.
- Learn and promote the development and application of improved methods and programs of communication.
- Enhance career opportunities for prospective business communicators.
- Advance the academic and professional development of members.
- Demonstrate, within the academic and professional environment, the practical value of effective communication.
- Enhance the training and development of individual members through the collection and dissemination of information of value and interest to members.
- Exercise the highest ethical standards in carrying out these purposes.
Why start an IABC STudent Chapter?
Student members of IABC get all the same member benefits as professional members, at a 20% of the cost. When you serve as faculty adviser or student leader to an IABC student chapter, you and your students will gain access to:
CONTENT
• Case studies and best practices IABC case studies, newsletters, and publications highlight real-world communication challenges to supplement and enhance academic learning.
• Professional development opportunities Tap into the latest trends in communication practices for a comprehensive picture of the industry in your area and across the globe through web seminars, and local professional development sessions.
• Guest speakers IABC members include some of the most experienced and recognized practitioners in the profession who are senior communicators. The IABC network gives you and your students a direct connection to the profession’s leading experts.
EXPERIENCE
• Leadership volunteerism Students will gain real-world experience by becoming volunteer chapter leaders, developing knowledge of marketing, finance, project management, meeting planning and public speaking—with the bonus of adding these activities the their resume.
• Access the hidden job market Get insider advice on companies, job types and available positions in IABC’s Job Centre, and receive member only access to internships.
• Awards and recognition The Student Gold Quill Awards competition recognizes excellence in communication at the undergraduate and graduate school levels. Judges evaluate students’ critical thinking and tactical skills in identifying a communication need, creating and implementing a solution, and assessing results.
COMMUNITY
• Connect with the local business community Your local IABC professional chapter can provide mentors, office tours, networking opportunities, and a variety of other resources for you and your students to connect with local professionals.
• Networking opportunities IABC members work in virtually every field in communication, allowing students the opportunity to learn and explore the wide rand of opportunities available to them in the profession.
