ASHS membership provides instant access to a community of smart, dedicated horticulturists, and demonstrates a high level of commitment to one’s professional growth. As ASHS is the world’s premier professional organization specifically for those engaged in horticultural research, membership is a great resume builder for students. Membership conveys dedication to the field, and also opens doors of opportunity as one is provided with greater exposure to the job market.

I am pleased to announce that at the winter meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS), it was agreed to offer horticulture Graduate Students a COMPLIMENTARY one-year membership to ASHS with access to an ASHS journal of their choice.

This investment by ASHS will pay great dividends in the future. Complimentary membership for Undergraduate Students has successfully increased undergraduate activity in the Society and will hopefully increase membership in the long term.

There are many reasons why a horticulture Graduate Students should belong to ASHS. Here are five:

1. Networking Opportunities: What better way to get connected than through the mentors, collaborators, and colleagues one finds at ASHS. Networking with ASHS professionals helps to create and foster relationships with colleagues outside of our specialties and institutions. One can also make professional connections helpful in looking for internships, post-docs, and job opportunities.

2. Publications: ASHS publishes multiple journals, a newsletter, and a web site with invaluable information on current issues and developments in horticulture. ASHS journals are peer-reviewed publications that provide horticulturists with the latest trends in research and teaching, and relevant issues that impact professional services and outreach. I encourage graduate faculty advisors to sit down with their students and discuss which one of our three outstanding journals would be the best place to submit a manuscript from the student’s thesis or dissertation.

3. Advocacy: When governments, both national and local, make decisions regarding horticulture issues, they come to ASHS. If one wants to effect change, membership in ASHS offers the power to harness the nation’s most respected horticulture society. ASHS also participates with other scientific societies and organizations to address science policy initiatives.

4. Programs and Conferences: Attending national and/or regional conferences provides the opportunity to explore how other horticulturists are tackling the challenges faced every day, and learn more about developments in horticulture from leaders in the field. Employment sessions for students at the Annual Conferences are a wonderful opportunity for students to hone their interviewing skills. In fact, Jeff Norrie, ASHS Industry Division Vice President, is currently planning an expanded and exciting industry recruiting event at the 2013 Annual Conference.

5. Leadership Opportunities: For a horticulture graduate student, professional leadership development means being part of the greater horticulture community, a community that helps foster one’s voice and identity as a professional. Serving on an ASHS committee is viewed by many employers as enhancement of one’s professional leadership development. True professional leadership development extends beyond the classroom.

In addition to the tangible benefits, membership in ASHS offers horticulturists the opportunity to support or be actively involved in research, teaching, and outreach programs in horticulture. I invite anyone who is not already a member to expand your horticulture experience in new and exciting ways by joining ASHS and strongly encourage each and every member of ASHS to do likewise with their colleagues. Spread the word!

The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) invites all Graduate Students focusing on horticulture to take advantage of a free one-year Graduate Student Membership in ASHS including a complimentary online subscription to an ASHS journal of your choice!

Signing up is easy:
http://ashs.org/gradstudentmembers/add.lasso

published in the January 2013 ASHS Newsletter.