Getting Involved as a Graduate Student: Why It’s Not Just for Undergrads

Written by Toni Rebaldo 

When people think about student involvement, they usually picture undergrads running to club meetings, volunteering for campus events or even joining Greek life. But what about graduate students? With research expectations, coursework, assistantships and maybe even an external job, it can feel like there’s no time for “extras.” But here’s the thing — getting involved isn’t just an undergraduate thing, and it’s definitely not a waste of your time. 

In fact, joining organizations and participating in activities as a graduate student can make a HUGE difference in your academic and professional journey. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, develop new skills or just find a solid support system, involvement can be a game changer. My life changed drastically when I got involved as a graduate student, and yours can too! 

Why Get Involved? 

1. Building a Network of Support  Grad school can feel isolating at times. You’re deep into your research, spending hours on academic work, and possibly juggling an assistantship or job. Joining a professional or student organization connects you with like-minded peers who understand what you’re going through. These connections can be invaluable for academic collaborations, professional opportunities, or even just having a friend to vent to over coffee.  

2. Diversifying Your Skills  Involvement isn’t just about making friends — it’s also about gaining hands-on experience that complements your studies. Whether it’s event planning, leadership, social media content creation, public speaking, creative media or strategy development, the skills you learn in extracurricular activities can set you apart in the job market and make a difference on your résumé or CV. 

3. Getting a Leg Up Professionally  Let’s be real: Networking and experience can be just as important as your degree. Joining an organization taps you into an extensive network of professionals around the globe that you now have something in common with. Also, when potential employers see that you’ve been involved in professional organizations or student leadership, it tells them you’re proactive, engaged and ready to apply your knowledge beyond the classroom. 

The Power of PRSSA for Graduate Students 

One organization that offers incredible benefits — especially for students in communication, public relations and related fields — is the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). While many assume it’s only for undergraduates, PRSSA membership is open to graduate students too! The University of Alabama’s PRSSA chapter has created incredible opportunities for me; as a member, you’ll have access to all kinds of valuable experiences, like: 

• Exclusive Industry Connections: PRSSA serves as a direct pipeline to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), one of the most respected professional organizations in industry. Through PRSSA, you can attend national conferences, connect with working professionals and even find mentorship opportunities. 

• Professional Development: PD opportunities are available both through the UA chapter on campus and at the national level. Through a variety of workshops and networking events with leading PR firms, PRSSA provides students with practical skills and insights that ease the transition from academia to industry. The local meetings are open to all, and you do not have to be a member to attend (although membership is encouraged). 

• Leadership Experience: If you want to step into a leadership role, PRSSA offers the chance to actively contribute to your local chapter by joining a working committee or applying for a board position. This allows you to impact campus and the community meaningfully through various initiatives. Additionally, members can take their involvement further by participating at the national level. 

• Exclusive Job & Internship Opportunities: Many companies actively recruit PRSSA members and after you join, the website has a portal with exclusive internships, job postings and fellowships. Being involved means you’ll hear about opportunities before the general public. 

Making the Time & Taking the Leap 

It’s easy to convince yourself that there’s no time for extracurriculars in grad school or that you’ve missed your chance to get involved. But the truth is, at any point in your academic journey involvement can enhance your experience rather than distract from it. Whether it’s joining PRSSA, attending our networking events or working on a committee with others who share your passions, these experiences can ultimately make a lasting impact on your life after grad school. So, if you’ve hesitated to get involved, take the leap! Your future self will thank you.