Brandeis International Business School

Leading a professional organization is no small task, but Daniela Huesca, MA’16, and Nicholas Liew, MA’16, have found a few keys to success. The Brandeis International Business School graduate students lead the school’s chapter of ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) and were recently recognized for their strong leadership and exemplary organization at the Boston ALPFA Student Chapters Summit. The two shared tips with other area chapters, emphasizing the importance of involvement and professional growth. 

Want more insight on running a successful on-campus organization? Here are their five best practices:

Encourage involvement from younger community members

Any good network has impactful and passionate members who are dedicated to their community. The best way to find these people is to encourage first-year involvement in planning events. Reach out to the community during orientation weeks, club fairs and other convergences on campus to find fresh perspectives and bright new minds.

Foster positive connections

The advisor you select to coordinate with the university can make all the difference. Finding someone who can effectively connect your club with resources such as the career office, student affairs, academic departments and important faculty members can make your club much more effective. 

Utilize your resources

Many clubs work with national or university-wide organizations and initiatives that are in line with their missions. These can be terrific assets. Ensure that your club is in communication with the leaders of these initiatives and send members with exceptional potential to national meetings and conventions.

Build a network

Your club is a place to meet new people, but it’s also a place where members can find resources for professional success. Send members to chapter meetings and conventions and host alumni and professional events to broaden their network (and yours). These gatherings can foster terrific relationships and give your members a chance at finding a job or making important career connections. You never know who or what can take your organization and its members to the next level, so keep an open mind. 

Create a family, not just an association

The most important aspect of a great club is the space it creates where members are among friends, not just peers. The best way to accomplish this is to encourage collaboration that allows community members to lift each other to new heights. When they are alumni, they will feel compelled to return as mentors and serve as resources for the newest generation of your club, continuing the cycle of close-knit personal and professional relationships.