In this article for Inside Higher Ed, Dr. Robert Pearson, director of professional development at the University of Texas at Dallas, encourages graduate students to become involved with their student associations. Dr. Pearson recalls his own feelings that becoming involved with a student association would distract from his research. Now, as director of professional development, he advises the Graduate Student Assembly at the University of Texas at Dallas. He shares the personal and professional benefits he has witnessed students gain and the relevant skills they have built. Read more here.

Interested students can learn how to get involved with the Biomedical Graduate Student Association (BGSA) or learn about the university-wide Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA).