It is very easy to become a member of the Student and Early Career Professionals Subsection. Students and Early Career Professionals that join American Fisheries Society are automatically given membership in the Subsection!
Students and Early Career Professionals play a critical role in the American Fisheries Society, representing the next generation of fisheries professionals charged with conservation of aquatic ecosystems throughout the United States and the world. The path from fisheries student to professional is an exciting educational journey. It’s a time when students and early career professionals define their future and acquire critical skills for professional success. But navigating the educational roadmap is no easy task. We encourage AFS students and early career professionals to use the diverse resources at their disposal to live their professional dreams.
Founded in 1870, American Fisheries Society is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to conserving fisheries resources, advancing fisheries science, and strengthening the fisheries profession. Becoming involved in AFS is a critical step in fisheries education. It empowers students and early career professionals to develop professional competencies and cultivate relationships with scientists, managers, biologists, and policy makers throughout the world. We encourage AFS students and early career professionals to make their voices heard by becoming actively involved in their professional society.
How do I get involved in AFS?
Students and early career professionals can get involved in the AFS in many ways:
- Engage with the Student and Early Career Professionals Subsection – The Subsection is an association of AFS students and early career professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Members work closely with the Education Section to improve fisheries education and foster communication among fisheries educators, employers, students, and the public.
- Get active in a Student Subunit – Many universities with fisheries programs have Student Subunits of the American Fisheries Society. Subunits are operated by officers (e.g., President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) and work to promote fisheries conservation, professional development of members, and public education. Talk with your faculty advisor and fellow students about getting involved.
- Connect with your state chapter – Many states have a chapter of the AFS. Students and early career professionals give professional talks and poster presentations, run for officer positions, organize raffles and silent auctions, and write newsletters. Talk with your state chapter representative about getting involved.
- Volunteer at AFS meetings – At Annual Meetings of the AFS, students and early career professionals can assist with registration, event planning, professional presentation judging, and other tasks. Check the AFS website and look for emails from the Student Activities Committee prior to the Annual Meeting for more information.
- Write – Whether it’s original research, popular literature, or a “Student Angle” article in Fisheries, publishing your writing is a phenomenal way to get involved in the AFS. Publications are the currency of science and a gateway to employment. Talk with your faculty advisor and fellow students about ways to get your writing published.