The most important thing about college is finding a job afterwards. Getting a good education is important, but finding connections and gaining experience is just as important. That is why it is so crucial to get involved while in college. SMU thankfully makes it incredibly easy to not only stay involved, but to also find something you love doing. I for one love working with Engineers Without Borders, but with more than 200 student organizations at SMU, we’re sure to have something that fits you just right. These societies provide leadership opportunities, networking with professionals from outside SMU, and camaraderie with fellow students.
Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE):
Founded in 1884, IEEE is a worldwide technical professional society devoted to advancing the theory and application of electrical engineering, electronics and computing. The IEEE serves 320,000 electrical engineers, scientists and other professionals in approximately 150 countries.
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS):
INFORMS represents professionals in the fields of operations research and the management sciences (OR/MS), and in related fields such as information technology. Members of the OR/MS profession apply scientific tools and methods to improve systems and operations and to assist in managerial decision making. INFORMS serves the scientific and professional needs of OR/MS investigators, scientists, students, educators, and managers, as well as the institutions they serve, by such services as publishing a variety of journals and by organizing professional conferences.
Association of Computing Machinery (ACM):
In 1947, a year after the first successful electronic digital computer (ENIAC) was unveiled, ACM became the first and remains the largest international scientific and educational computer society in the world. ACM membership today consists of some 80,000 men and women who are largely practitioners, developers, researchers, educators, engineers and managers, all with a significant interest in the creation and application of information technologies.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME):
Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, today's ASME is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community. ASME offers numerous opportunities for students to interact with professionals, attend conferences, and participate in student design competitions.
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE):
With over 84,000 members, the Society of Automotive Engineers provides opportunities to gain broader insight into the engineering profession through the exchange of ideas for advancing the engineering of mobility systems by developing meetings with professional engineers, arranging projects, and participating in SAE engineering competitions both locally and nationally.
Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE):
Practicing engineers meet with SMU students and help them get school-year internships, summer jobs, and full-time employment after graduation.
Theta Tau:
National professional engineering fraternity. Focus on building friendships with other engineering students, participate in service projects and professional development programs. Rush and pledgeship occurs every fall. Membership is co-ed.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE):
Dedicated to making known the need for women engineers and encouraging young women to consider an engineering education.
Women in Science and Engineering (WISE):
Promoting and teaching elementary and pre-college women the benefits and enjoyment of a major in engineering or science.
National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE):
Works to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE):
SHPE is a national organization of Hispanic engineers who seek to develop a sense of community among Hispanic engineers, promote engineering as a profession among Hispanics, and create a network of Hispanic engineering professionals and students.
Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES):
MAES was founded in 1974 to increase the number of Mexican Americans and other Hispanics in the technical and scientific fields. By projecting the positive image of its members and their accomplishments, MAES helps to improve the perception of Mexican Americans.
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, Texas Iota Chapter:
Upper-level undergraduate students with outstanding academic records are eligible for invitation to membership in Tau Beta Pi, the national honor society for engineering students.
Eta Kappa Nu:
Founded in 1904, Eta Kappa Nu is the national honor society for academically qualified electrical engineers
Pi Tau Sigma:
Mechanical Engineering Honor Society, founded in 1916, with the goal of creating better engineers through commitment to academic excellence and dedication to service. Pi Tau Sigma recognizes Mechanical Engineering students who possess sound engineering ability, scholarship and personality – all important for success in the field of Mechanical Engineering. Membership is offered to top junior and senior students.
SMU Amateur Radio Club:
Creating and learning about the hobby of amateur radios. The SMU amateur radio club was founded in the mid 1920s. The SMU amateur radio club is one of the oldest student organizations on the SMU campus. Our club station has been on the air for over 70 years, with the notable exception of World War II (by gov't order).
Student Engineering Joint Council (SEJC):
Plans activities involving the entire engineering school such as coordinating the annual awards banquet and homecoming festivities. This organization, comprised of leaders from the over 16 engineering organizations, meets regularly with the Dean and engineering administration to discuss student concerns and needs with the engineering school.