The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is a prestigious honor society for college students. Founded in 1934, NSLS has more than 1.5 million members and chapters at over 500 colleges and universities across the country.
Membership in NSLS provides students with a number of benefits, including:
Leadership development opportunities
Networking opportunities
Scholarships and awards
Career services
Personal and professional growth
However, NSLS also has its critics. Some students argue that the cost of membership is too high, and that the benefits are not worth the investment. Others complain that NSLS is too elitist, and that it only benefits a small number of students.
So, is NSLS worth it?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to join NSLS is a personal one. There are a number of factors to consider, such as your financial situation, your career goals, and your personality.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering joining NSLS:
The cost of membership
NSLS membership costs $95. This fee covers the cost of your initiation, your membership card, and your access to NSLS benefits.
The benefits of membership
NSLS provides members with a number of benefits, including:
- Leadership development opportunities: NSLS offers a variety of leadership development programs, such as workshops, seminars, and conferences. These programs can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful leader in your career and personal life.
- Networking opportunities: NSLS provides members with opportunities to network with other students, alumni, and business professionals. These networking opportunities can help you build relationships that can benefit you in your career and personal life.
- Scholarships and awards: NSLS awards scholarships and awards to members who demonstrate outstanding leadership and academic achievement. These scholarships and awards can help you offset the cost of college and recognize your accomplishments.
- Career services: NSLS provides members with access to career services, such as resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance. These services can help you land your dream job after college.
- Personal and professional growth: NSLS provides members with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through NSLS, you can develop your leadership skills, build your network, and achieve your goals.
The time commitment
NSLS requires members to attend a certain number of meetings and events each year. The time commitment can vary depending on your chapter, but it is typically around 10 hours per semester.
The elitism of NSLS
Some students argue that NSLS is too elitist, and that it only benefits a small number of students. NSLS does have a selective admissions process, but it is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements. NSLS also provides a number of programs and services that are designed to benefit all members, regardless of their background or experience.
Conclusion
So, is NSLS worth it? Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to join NSLS is a personal one. There are a number of factors to consider, such as your financial situation, your career goals, and your personality. If you are looking for an organization that can help you develop your leadership skills, build your network, and achieve your goals, then NSLS may be a good fit for you.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things to consider when deciding whether or not to join NSLS:
- Your financial situation: NSLS membership costs $95. This fee may be a significant investment for some students. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider other ways to develop your leadership skills and network with other professionals.
- Your career goals: NSLS can provide you with a number of benefits that can help you achieve your career goals. However, it is important to note that NSLS is not a guarantee of success. If you are not willing to put in the work, you will not get much out of NSLS.
- Your personality: NSLS is a social organization. If you are not comfortable networking and attending events, then NSLS may not be a good fit for you.
Alternatives to NSLS
If you are not sure if NSLS is right for you, there are a number of other organizations that you can consider:
- The American Leadership Academy: The American Leadership Academy is a leadership development program for high school and college students. The program offers a variety of leadership training programs, as well as opportunities to network with other leaders.
- The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA): NASPA is a professional organization for student affairs professionals. NASPA offers a variety of leadership development programs for students, as well as opportunities to network with other student leaders.
- The Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I): ACUHO-I is a professional organization for housing and residence life professionals. ACUHO-I offers a variety of leadership development programs for students, as well as opportunities to network with other student leaders.
FAQs
Q: How much does NSLS cost?
A: NSLS membership costs $95.
Q: What are the benefits of NSLS membership?
A: NSLS membership provides a number of benefits, including leadership development opportunities, networking opportunities, scholarships and awards, career services, and personal and professional growth.
Q: Is NSLS worth it?
A: The decision of whether or not to join NSLS is a personal one. There are a number of factors to consider, such as your financial situation, your career goals, and your personality.
Q: Are there any alternatives to NSLS?
A: Yes, there are a number of other organizations that offer leadership development opportunities for students, such as the American Leadership Academy, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), and the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I).
