These organizations give students an opportunity to associate with their peers outside the classroom, a chance to apply their knowledge to practical challenges, and a way to build networks of contact which can be beneficial both while a student and after graduation when looking for a job. ASME has regular meetings and organizes field trips to local engineering firms and industries. A team of students works on this project for the entire year. The main purpose of the PSU chapter of SAE is to promote interaction between engineering students and the professional sector. This keeps students informed of the latest technical developments and career opportunities.
Members can often receive help with engineering problems by dropping in during the office hours.
The Society of Women Engineers is a non-profit, educational service organization of graduate engineers, women and men, dedicated to the advancement of women in the engineering professions. The PSU chapter of SWE sponsors a design contest for the annual National Engineers Week design competition. The society has information on several annual scholarships, most of which are targeted for women in engineering. Tau Beta Pi is the Engineering Honors Society. The Oregon Beta chapter here at PSU consists of Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering students.