Should You Join ASME?

Most universities have student chapters. Students are offered discount rates to join. It becomes much more expensive to become a member later.

Benefits are networking opportunities should a member choose to take advantage of these.

If the company is not paying the membership fees, these societies get to be very expensive over time.

When I was set-up a company to be able to carry the ASME "U" "PP" and "R" stamp. It was very difficult to get any type of knowledge, assistance or direction. I became an ASME member just to try to get information. The AI Hartford Boiler at that time would not give the time of day unless you drop big $. The inspectors were helpful though. And now Hartford has quite a lot of information available.

CR-4 is a very large help, that showed site and answer questions. I wish it was available back then.

As far as a member of ASME I drop it after 4 years, at the time I just didn't see the benefits for myself.

I guess its what do you want to get out of it.

p911

I was an ASME member for 25 years. After 25 years I decided to end my membership because the society does not support forensic practice. The society is run mainly by academics so, there is a heavy emphasis on research. You will find that many of the courses they sponsor, such as in the area of heat transfer, are highly technical in nature and sometimes, of little practical use. Networking is a distinct benefit but, payment of dues and attendance at local meetings is usually on your nickel. Sometimes, attendance at ASME sponsored courses will be paid by your company if the company stands to benefit in some way. I would suggest that you take a good look at your career goals and then look at ASME programs and see if the two are compatible. If so, then you might benefit from membership. If not, then I would suggest a professional group with interests and goals similar to your own.

You will find that many of the courses they sponsor, such as in the area of heat transfer, are highly technical in nature and sometimes, of little practical use.

And the topics are very focus and as you said, not for the novice. I have found that more practical information for heat/mass transfer was more beneficially found in McGraw-Hill.

p911