The president of the American Society for Training and Development for the Fort Worth/Mid-Cities Chapter said to about 40 students that joining ASTD will allow them to jump-start their careers.Shelah Mabeus, ASTD Fort Worth/Mid-Cities president, said the organization provides job opportunities for students after graduation.

“I think the primary advantage that students joining ASTD have is that they have the chance to network with professionals in their field,” Mabeus said.

She said student members will also receive insight about their fields of interest by making connections with professional mentors in a variety of training and development topics, Mabeus said.

Debi Iba, the organization’s faculty adviser, said she was delighted with the turnout.

“I hoped for about 20 students, and we doubled that,” Iba said. “I am very pleased.”

Clint Sanders, junior communication studies major and secretary of ASTD, said on-campus events are being planned to draw more students to the organization.

Sanders said students of all majors will find ASTD beneficial when deciding what they want to do with their degrees.

“Going into the career field with knowledge and having opportunities in networking will help,” Sanders said.

The next meeting is Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. in 320 Moudy South.