Building a Better Auditor: The Power of Belonging

If you're anything like me, I had hopes to make the grades for the career I was after, but I was most hopeful that I would find a place to belong. I packed my bags, drove 600 miles, and started a life in a town where no one knew my first name. I had to start all over again after 12 years of being surrounded by people who knew my story.

A sense of belonging is fundamental to humans. I am so grateful for the people who made my time at university rich with memories. I am also grateful for the opportunities to give back to my community, by serving in organizations that helped me feel a sense of purpose.

If you're a college student, and you're searching for a place to belong or give back to your community, I invite you into something special: free student membership with The IIA.

What's in it for Me?

Here at The IIA, one of our core values of membership is offering a space of belonging for our members. Worldwide, we have more than 218,000 members who are industry leaders, from all walks of life. In North America, we have more than 145 chapters where you can engage with thought leaders and other internal audit professionals in your area. That's a lot of networking opportunities, resume-building opportunities, and potential employers to encounter. Belonging to The IIA expands your knowledge of internal audit, fuels your professional ambitions, and champions limitless opportunity.

There are many ways to get involved as a student member, including volunteering for your local chapter. Adding volunteer time to your resume attracts future employers — and you might meet your next boss or mentor at a local networking event. 

IIA student membership will not only shape you professionally, but also as an individual. You'll be surrounded by people who want to see you succeed and can teach you firsthand what it's like to work in the profession.

Although this initiative is currently only offered to students within North America, The IIA has exciting plans to develop a student membership program globally with affiliates in 2023.

Here are some of the many benefits of a free student membership:

• IIA Audit Career Center — Get access to unlimited resources to help fuel your career and help you stand out to future employers.
• Student pricing on the CIA application and exam parts — Get certified on a budget.
• Chapter Affiliation — Connect with local audit professionals and engage in chapter events.
• Free Member Webinars — Get access to free monthly webinars and attend live virtual presentations by prominent leaders in the internal audit profession.
• Internal Auditor magazine — Get ahead of your peers by reading up on the current and future trends of the profession.

Free Pizza is Nice. Belonging is Better.

If you're a college student, sign up for free student membership today.

If you're a professor or a professional who wants to impact the future of the profession, reach out to university students to let them know about free student membership. A simple invitation can go a long way.

Find out more about free student membership and how to apply here. 

Student Membership is now complimentary to full and part-time students within North America (U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean). Individuals must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, part-time or full-time, with a minimum of 6 credits at a college or university. Student membership is limited to a maximum of six years. Although this initiative is within North America, The IIA is working with affiliates to develop a student program globally.