Requesting input on RSES membership

[mikey_pf]

Was wondering if it would be worth it to purchase an RSES membership while going to school. Or, for that matter, once I graduate.

The student membership is half price, but I'm not sure exactly what RSES does or if it will benefit me, in any way, while I'm in school. I just remember seeing "RSES" posted in these forums, and just checked out their web site.

Is anyone here a member, either in school or out in the field? If so, could you please advise me on whether or not to become a member?

Thanks
Mike

[sprintmj19]

Check out your local chapter. The one I belong to (chi-town) has a meeting once a month, during the winter, and a wholesaler or mfg rep gives about a one hour tech talk about a particular subject. Usually pretty good. They have a raffle, pop, chips, samiches, etc. Well worth the money. They also have seminars during the winter on different topics, usually about $ 50 each. Most of the time good. The magazine is good. I work by myself, and don't get to talk with others in the business much, so this has been a help to me. And, I do all residential work, and the RSES is still beneficial to me. BUT, check your local chapter and see what they do. I think some chapters will let a whole class or school attend a meeting one time, for free. I vote thumbs up.

[amickracing]

If you're a member you get a healthy discount on the books and other training they have. If you're starting out and want to get your hands on some good stuff, the discount on that would alone offset the price of the membership.

As far as attending the meetings and being involved in your area, that all depends. As far as I know they are all somewhat independant. So you could have a great group of people in your area, or you could have a couple who do it to meet up and kill time, not to educate.

The other upside, if you join and attend the meetings they have it's a great way to meet new people who want to further themselves in the trade... could very well be a good "in" for your next job.

[joe8758]

I posted a similar question a while back and received a few replies to the positive. I had already been a member and used the membership to get some of their educational material; all of which I feel is beneficial.

My problem stemmed from my lack of knowing how active my chapter was. After listening to the replies here I decided to rejoin and finally went to a meeting. It was very informative and I met a few guys that I never would have come across otherwise.

I would say we had about 15 to 20 student members at this meeting all from ETI (I think). One of the reasons I can think of for you as a student is to gain as much information and knowledge posssible. I think RSES being an educational organization can help you in this area. Another reason for you to join is the possiblity of networking. You may be able to make some connections that may even help you in securing employment.

I feel the cost is pretty reasonable considering what you can gain by joining. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

[sprintmj19]

joe8758..so you're the one who ate all the samiches??? Ain't that something when the eti bunch is there? Kids with tatoos on their necks..reminded me of the thread here a while back about tatoos or not, then I see these young guys with neck tats, tats on the back of their hands, some weird shiate!

[joe8758]

I missed the samiches. Had to stop at Hooters afterwards. My bad luck.

I thought I was at a gangbanger convention at first with the way some of them looked. Felt a little out of place. They seemed ok though. That was my first meeting. Will look you up next time around.

[mikey_pf]

Thank you guys for all the positive replies. Looks like I'll be joining.


Mike

[Green Mountain]

Thank you guys for all the positive replies. Looks like I'll be joining.


Mike

I have been a member of RSES for over 40 years. Does that help ya. :D

[Shophound]

RSES member here...Cowtown Chapter is very active. Super source for training and technical info, great group of folks in my chapter. Much worth the time and money. Like someone else said, it's a way to meet people in the trade you'd otherwise possibly never know. My take is someone who goes to an after hours meeting about their trade generally takes their trade a lot more seriously than the guy puttin' in his time for beer money.

[Paul Pippin]

Great bunch of people and a good way to network don't get to as many meetings as I would like to but enjoy each one. Join and participate in RSES.

[kpaul]

I agree with the other fellows.
A good way to network and meet others in the trade as well as informative.