Professional Student Associations: A Springboard to a Successful Career?

Introduction: In the context of modern higher education, professional student associations play an important role in the professional and personal development of students. However, in the Russian context, such associations remain insufficiently studied. This study aims to analyze the motivations, barriers, satisfaction levels, and perceived impact of participation in professional associations on students' academic and career lives.

Purpose: To explore the main motivations, barriers, and outcomes of participation in professional student associations among students of the Russian Biotechnological University and RUDN, and to propose recommendations for improving their work.

Materials and Methods: A mixed-method approach was used in the study, including surveys for collecting quantitative data (n=200) and semi-structured interviews for qualitative analysis (n=20). The survey included questions on motivations, barriers, expected benefits, and satisfaction levels. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: The primary motivations for participation included the development of professional skills (75%) and building professional connections (65%). The main barriers were lack of time (55%) and financial costs (40%). Participants reported a high level of satisfaction, with 70% expressing positive attitudes towards their involvement. Most students noted the positive impact of associations on their academic achievements and career prospects.

Conclusion: The results of the study highlight the importance of professional student associations in preparing students for professional activities. However, it is necessary to reduce financial barriers, improve information dissemination, and increase the flexibility of event organization. Future research should include a broader sample and incorporate objective data to verify the findings.

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9. Zachary L. Nolen , Kristy L. Daniel & Carrie J. Bucklin (2020): Perceived Benefits From Participating in Content-Based Student Organizations, Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, DOI: 10.1080/19496591.2020.1796689