Professional Associations are a great source of information about internships, career pathways, conferences, scholarships, opportunities to meet people in your field, and a whole host of career-related topics. Usually associations will provide a discounted membership rate for students enrolled in college.

The following are a few organizations that may help you advance your career related interests in environmental science, policy, management, sustainability, and related fields . When browsing their offerings, you may want to identify the following criteria :

• Field of focus: e.g., policy vs. science vs. corporate sustainability
• Level of membership: student, early‑career, professional
• Benefits you want: networking, certifications, technical resources, conferences

National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)

• Focus: Broad environmental planning, management, assessment, and interdisciplinary professional support.
• Student Fee: Typically around $50/year (student membership).

International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA)

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)

• Focus: Environmental science, toxicology, chemistry, and sustainable environmental management.
• Student Membership: Yes — SETAC offers significantly discounted student dues in many regions.

Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA)

• Focus: Air quality, waste management, emissions control, regulatory and technical developments.
• Student Membership: Yes — dedicated student category.

Water Environment Federation (WEF)

• Focus: Water quality, wastewater, resource recovery, and water utility professionals.
• Student Membership: Yes — specifically for student professionals.

American Water Works Association (AWWA)

• Focus: Drinking water and water utility professionals.
• Student Membership: Yes — available for students

Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) (part of ASCE)

• Focus: Water and environmental resource engineering.
• Student Chapters: Yes (through ASCE student chapters; EWRI student membership).

Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC)

• Focus: Established in 1990 by environmental and energy company executives, the EBC was the first organization in the United States established to support and foster the development of the environmental industry. Their goal is to enhance business and job growth of both established and emerging environmental and energy businesses.
• Student Chapters: Students are encouraged to contact the EBC if they are seeking a discounted rate to their events. College stuents can use their online Career Center to look for internships and jobs. EBC also sponsors a yearly $2500 Environmental Scholarship for college students

Another great resource or first step is looking at organzations based on What Can I Do With This Major? which features over 100 major profiles with information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and a list of organzationsby academic subject area.