5 Benefits of Joining a Pre-Professional Club in College

At Sacred Heart, students who seek a future in dentistry, law, veterinary science, physical therapy and occupational therapy, or who aspire to be a pharmacist or physician assistant, can join pre-professional clubs tailored to these specific career tracks.

“I always encourage students to test the waters,” said Amy Novak, senior director at SHU’s Center for Career & Professional Development. “These clubs can open their eyes to what they can expect. Early on, they can get more information and be exposed to important conversations and connections, rather than waiting for when they are deep into their courses.”

Here are five more reasons pre-professional clubs can make an enormous difference in your college experience and beyond.

1. Build a Professional Network Early

You will certainly open doors to opportunities. You will also learn what opportunities are open to you. By attending guest speaker talks, alumni panels, networking events and company visits organized by the clubs, you can connect with professionals and alumni who can offer valuable insights and advice.

Ask questions, listen to the real-life rewards and challenges and discover internship and job opportunities. Even your peers, faculty and alumni can become potential mentors. “With students ranging from first-year students to soon-to-be graduates, they can all share insights and contacts they’ve made through their internships, practicums or clinicals,” said Megan Waldrop, Sacred Heart’s associate director of student involvement.

This network can be essential when applying for internships, graduate school or future jobs.

2. Gain Hands-On Experience Outside the Classroom

While lectures and textbooks provide theoretical foundations, pre-professional clubs offer experiential learning that bridges the gap between college and the workforce or advanced education. Practical experience gained through volunteer experiences or mentorships can help to build a body of work that can be showcased in interviews and applications.

Establishing opportunities to shadow professionals or get jobs in the veterinary field is something Sacred Heart’s Sankhiros “Sunny” Babapoor, assistant teaching professor in biology, has been working on for some time. His work with members of SHU’s pre-professional veterinary club is aimed at connections—helping students build a work portfolio that supports their application to veterinary school.

“We are here to help the student who wants to pursue a career in this field gain some experience and knowledge,” he said. “It’s really important for us to help them realize their dream.”

3. Clarify and Explore Your Career Interests

You may be all in when it comes to what you want to study. But, with a pre-professional club, you can immerse yourself in your chosen field before committing to a full-time job or graduate program. Pre-professional clubs give you the chance to “test-drive” various career options.

It’s a great way to learn early on about the facets of a career path in that field, said Annie Suffredini, executive director of career & professional development.

“As you start to explore what it is you want to do, you are beginning to build your resume,” she said. “That ultimately helps you to tell your story. You can articulate to a potential employer how it is that you got there, what you liked and did not like and how all that led you to the opportunity you are seeking.”

4. Develop Soft Skills That Set You Apart

In today’s job market, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with strong interpersonal skills, leadership abilities and emotional intelligence. Pre-professional clubs are a great environment to cultivate these soft skills.

Perhaps you serve as the president. Maybe you are leading a project. Simply participating in group events helps you develop communication, time management and adaptability skills. Plus, leadership roles show initiative and commitment—qualities that employers and grad schools love to see.

5. Early Insight into the Application Process

The application process for graduate programs can be highly competitive and nuanced. Pre-professional clubs can serve as a critical resource for navigating the intricate steps involved in applying to these programs.

Club members often share advice and experiences, and the Center for Career & Professional Development provides support & guidance with the application process, including personal statement writing, recommendation letters and preparing for interviews.

Novak said pre-professional clubs can help its members take that next step, whether it’s more schooling or finding a job or internship.

Suffredini agreed. “Being a member of any of the academic clubs on campus will highlight how you approached a job search, networking and building a resume. It shows you are willing to learn outside of the walls of the classroom and continue that education.”

Getting an Early Start

Joining a pre-professional club in college is one of the smartest investments you can make in your future. The earlier you get involved, the more you will gain.

Get started on your career or gain new skills to further enhance your work by reaching out to Sacred Heart’s undergraduate or graduate admissions for more information.

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