Professional Associations

American Institute of Artchitects (AIA): https://www.aia.org/

American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Diego: https://aiasandiego.org/

The American Institute of Architects San Diego promotes the profession of architecture in the San Diego region and supports members throughout their careers. The organization provides professional development events, advocacy efforts, continuing education, leadership opportunities, and networking programs for architects, students, and emerging professionals. The organization serves as a collective voice for the profession, promoting policies that strengthen the built environment while supporting sustainability, equity, and design excellence. Through signature events, public outreach initiatives, and partnerships with industry leaders, AIASD fosters collaboration among architects, designers, students, and allied professionals. 

Membership Cost: Free membership for students enrolled in architecture or related fields in San Diego County.

Event Cost: AIA San Diego hosts a variety of programs/events throughout the year; Individual event pricing varies but there are discounted fees for members.

Student & Emerging Professional Programming: https://aiasandiego.org/committees/

There are several committees and initiatives designed to support students and early-career architects through mentorship, networking, and professional development:

• Young & Emerging Professionals (YEP) Committee https://aiasandiego.org/young-emerging-professionals/
  • YEP offers mentorship opportunities, networking events, professional development workshops, career growth initiatives, and industry connections for students, recent graduates, and newly licensed architects
  • Events include open houses, networking socials, mentorship meet-ups, and professional introductions
• We-Architecture (Women in Architecture)
  • We-Architecture advances equity, representation, and leadership opportunities for women in architecture and includes mentorship events, career guidance panels, networking with architects and industry leaders, and collaborative events with YEP

Scholarships: https://aiasandiego.org/scholarships/

• Supports architecture students and emphasizes equity, access, and diversity in the profession
• Encourages early engagement with the professional architecture community
• Promotes diversity within the field of architecture

American Planning Association: https://www.planning.org/

American Planning Assoication San Diego: https://www.apasandiego.com/

The American Planning Association (APA) is the primary professional association representing the urban planning profession in the United States. APA provides opportunities for networking, professional development, continuing education, conferences, publications, policy engagement, and connections with planners working across the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors.

UC San Diego students can also become involved locally through the San Diego Section of the APA (SDAPA), which has more than 500 members and offers networking events, workshops, professional development, community engagement, and other opportunities to connect with planners throughout the San Diego region. Sign up for the SDAPA Newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities (link to register).

Membership Cost: Free for students through national APA membership (link to register). When joining, select California – San Diego as your primary chapter.

Event Cost: Typically free or discounted for student members, pricing varies by event. The APA California Conference includes a free student day as well as discounted conference rates for students.

Student & Emerging Professional Programming:

• Young and Emerging Planners (YEP): Connects students and early-career planners with emerging and established planning professionals throughout the San Diego region.  YEP hosts events throughout the year and a mentorship program once a year.
• University-based APA student organizations including UCSD's Young Planners Society

Scholarships: Typically offered annualy through SDAPA, APA Foundation Scholarships, as well as California Planning Foundation.  

Affiliated Student Organization: Young Planners Society

For questions on how to become more involved with the APA, please contact the current SDAPA Liaison, Jacqueline Woo: jaw036@ucsd.edu

American Society of Landscape Architects: https://www.asla.org/ 

ASLA San Diego: https://www.asla-sandiego.org/

Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the professional association for landscape architects in the United States, proudly representing more than 16,000 members. Landscape architects lead the planning, design, and stewardship of healthy, equitable, safe, and resilient environments.

Membership Cost: Free for students.

Association of Environmental Professionals: https://califaep.org/

AEP San Diego Chapter: https://sd.califaep.org/

The Association of Environmental Professionals San Diego chapter is a local regional branch of the California AEP that supports environmental professionals through networking, training, workshops, student engagement, and professional development. The organization connects students and professionals involved in environmental planning, compliance, and related fields.

Membership Cost: Free for students through the San Diego Chapter.

Event Cost: Typically free or discounted for student members, pricing varies by event. AEP members receive discounted rates on professional events, workshops, state conferences, and CEQA/NEPA training.

Student & Emerging Professional Programming: Each year, the San Diego AEP Chapter engages in several programs designed to prepare local university students for working in the environmental field. Some of the great programs for students interested in the environmental field include: Student CEQA workshop, workshops on resumes, LinkedIn, and professionalism, speed networking, CEQA Practicum Course, CEQA Advance Course, Annual Scholarship, Annual SDAEP Awards and Scholarship Event

Scholarships: SDAEP College Student Scholarship which supports undergraduate and graduate students who are actively engaged in the pursuit of an environmental career. Applications are typically open June-early Sept. 

BIA San Diego: https://biasandiego.org/

As San Diego’s leading voice of residential development for more than 85 years, the BIA is an inclusive member-driven non-profit advocating for housing at all levels and the people and families who need a place to call home. We support pro-housing policies, quality jobs, and strong communities. We enthusiastically support our members, who create good quality jobs, employing thousands of hard-working builders, architects, engineers, designers, drywall professionals, framers, equipment operators and others.

Membership Cost: Free for students through the y|GEN council.

Student & Emerging Professional Programming: y|GEN Council The Building Industry Association’s y|GEN council is an organization focused on empowering the young generation of future leaders to make meaningful connections and to work together to create a more sustainable housing future. The goal of y|GEN is to provide young professionals with the support and resources they need to stay informed on industry policies, foster meaningful relationships, and promote the benefits of y|GEN and the BIA to the greater of the industry. Membership may have an additional fee and includes: Building Tours, Educational Drink & Thinks + Lunch & Learns, Exclusive access to our Mentorship Program, and Networking Happy Hours.

Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International: https://boma.org/

BOMA San Diego: https://www.bomasd.org/ 

BOMA San Diego is a professional association committed to advancing the interests of the commercial real estate industry by developing the careers of its members through leadership opportunities, legislative advocacy, education, and networking. The purpose of BOMA San Diego is to align itself as a strategic business partner by enhancing value to building owners and service providers while creating knowledgeable industry leaders.

Membership Cost: Free for students via scholarship application.

Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute: https://www.ccim.com/

CCIM San Diego Chapter: https://ccimsandiego.com/

The CCIM San Diego Chapter is a local professional organization focused on education, networking, and market services for commercial investment real estate professionals. The chapter provides programs, events, and resources that help members deliver superior service to clients, foster industry connections, and advance their careers. Only around 6% of commercial real estate professionals hold the CCIM designation, making membership part of an elite professional network.

Membership Cost: Free for students through the San Diego Chapter. In addition to the 40% discount on chapter educational programs*, membership provides additional benefits to include the following:

• Mentorship Program with CCIM designees/chapter members in the local industry 
• Chapter networking events and engagement with members and industry professionals
• Internship opportunities
• Resume posting and job search (See the Career Center)

Event Cost: Many events are free or offered at a member discount, and some may have fees.

Student & Emerging Professional Programming: CCIM University Outreach Program is designed to help students and graduates achieve their real estate career goals. CCIM is the designation to pursue for professional education, networking opportunities, and industry-leading technology in the commercial and investment real estate field.

Scholarships: 

• San Diego Future Leaders in Real Estate - CCIM Scholarship is a $1000 scholarship value that can be used toward CCIM Core Courses
• The CCIM Institute Foundation has a variety of scholarships available for individuals pursuing a career in commercial real estate.

CREDA: https://www.credaglobal.org/

CREDA San Diego: https://credasd.org/

CREDA elevates the commercial real estate development industry by providing advocacy, education, research and connections to foster business opportunities. In partnership with chapters, we connect and serve a diverse network of leading CRE professionals.

Membership Cost: $75 per year for students.  Note: DUSP sponsors a group membership for USP/RED students which makes the membership free for selected students.  Spots are limited and is application based.  The application opens in fall and is posted to the DUSP blog.  

Event Cost: Some events are free for members and some have a fee to attend.

Student/Emerging Professional Specific Programming:

• Developing Leaders: This program is designed specifically for real estate professionals age 35 and under, providing opportunities to build industry knowledge, expand professional networks, and connect with peers and experienced professionals. Members gain access to industry news, networking and professional development opportunities, as well as a mentorship program that connects emerging professionals with established leaders in the field.
• CREDA University Challenge: Annual real estate case competition bringing together student teams from UCSD, SDSU, and USD. Teams develop and present a highest-and-best-use proposal for a real San Diego County development site, addressing considerations such as financing, feasibility, investment returns, sustainability, transportation, and community impact. Students defend their proposals before a judging panel of senior commercial real estate professionals and present their recommendations to an audience of industry leaders, professionals, and fellow students. Participation in UCSD's team is application based, applications open in Fall. Students selected for the team enroll in USP 159A (4 units) in Winter quarter and USP 159B (2 units) in Spring quarter.

Scholarships: The CREDA San Diego Foundation Scholarship provides up to six $10,000 scholarships to qualified candidates. Applications typically open in January and are due in April.

CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Network: https://crewnetwork.org/ 

CREW San Diego: https://www.crewsandiego.org/

CREW San Diego is an organization focused on advancing women and diverse professionals in commercial real estate by providing networking, education, leadership development, and industry engagement opportunities. Their members represent diversity in discipline and actively participate in their organization which helps them derive constant value from their membership. CREW provides support to members worldwide through business networking, leadership development, industry research and career outreach.

CREW San Diego members represent a diverse group of disciplines within the commercial real estate industry, including: Accounting, Asset Management, Development, Law, Appraisal, Brokerage, Engineering, Leasing, Architecture, Interior Design, Construction, Property Management

Membership Cost: Undergraduate student membership fee: $275 ($250 annual dues & $25 application fee, dues are on a calender year cycle of Jan-Dec)

Event Cost: Some events are free and open to non-members (CREW Cocktails and Conversation and Coffee Corners, UCREW workshops), some are restricted to members, and some have a fee to attend.

Student/Emerging Professional Specific Programming: UCREW is a subcommittee of CREW members with the goal of educating and exposing college students in San Diego to the many opportunities and careers within the commercial real estate industry. Additionally, UCREW provides unique sponsorship opportunities through CREW Network to college students and is the gateway for upcoming talent in commercial real estate.

Scholarships: CREW Network ScholarshipJuniors, seniors, graduate students are eligible, - includes $5,000 (undergrad) / $10,000 (graduate), 24 month membership, CREW Network convention registration including travel stipend and 6-month mentoring opportunity.  Applications are typically open Jan-March.

Construction Management Association of America: https://www.cmaanet.org/

CMAA San Diego Chapter: https://cmaa-sd.org/

The Construction Management Association of America focuses on enhancing construction management practice by focusing on enhancing construction management practice. CMAA ensures that all professionals are prepared to succeed regardless of the scope, scale, or complexity of any project or program.  CMAA is dedicated to career-long education and professional development, beginning with the Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT) program, through the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential for the most accomplished construction management practitioners, and beyond to continuing education for advanced professionals. 

Membership Cost: Free for full-time college or university student interested in a career in construction management.

Student/Emerging Professional Specific Programming:

• CMAA San Diego Student Outreach: https://cmaa-sd.org/Student_Outreach
• ASC Reno Competition Teams (https://www.asc67.org/competition.html) 
  • The Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Reno competition is the premier annual event hosted in February where over 1,300 students from 40+ universities compete to solve, present, and defend complex construction management problems. Teams work with industry coaches throughout Summer and Fall giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. 
  • Students interested in applying for the UCSD ASC teams should contact the UCSD chapter of CMAA
• CMAA at UC San Diego is a student chapter of CMAA with a mission to promote the profession of construction management at UC San Diego, and to provide students with resources and professional development opportunities in the construction industry.  CMAA partners with Society of Civil and Structural Engineers (SCSE) to host a career fair in fall quarter which is a great recruitment opportunity for construction management internships and entry level positions.

Scholarships: CMAA San Diego Scholarship Program for undergraduates in a program undergraduate program with an emphasis on Architectural/Engineering/Construction industry

Design-Build Institute of America: https://dbia.org/

Design-Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region: http://dbiawpr.org/

Established in 1993, DBIA — a dynamic community comprising architects, engineers, construction professionals, Owners, academics and students — has been at the forefront of transforming the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit membership organization, DBIA is the established industry leader in design-build, providing Design-Build Done Right® education and professional certification opportunities that advance best practices across the built environment. Decades ago, DBIA embarked on a mission to redefine project delivery through education, advocacy and collaboration. Today, DBIA is a driving force behind making design-build the fastest-growing project delivery method in the nation. What was once considered alternative is now mainstream, fueling innovation, elevating outcomes and delivering collaboration with results. As the only organization representing the entire spectrum of design and construction professionals, DBIA brings together diverse perspectives and plays an instrumental role in preparing, educating and supporting the industry in addressing complex issues.

Membership Cost: $45 per year for university students.

Scholarships: Design-Build Institute of America's (DBIA) Western Pacific Region College Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships to students in good standing, making reasonable progress towards a degree in: Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, or another major pertinent to Design and Construction at universities in California, Arizona, Hawaii and Nevada

Institute of Real Estate Management: https://www.irem.org/

IREM San Diego: https://iremsd.org/

IREM is an international institute with the learning, certifications, and networking that property managers need to take on real estate management’s most dynamic challenges. IREM San Diego supports student engagement in property and real estate management through membership pathways, networking, mentorship programs, and opportunities to participate in industry events. IREM’s student-focused efforts help students explore real estate management as a profession and build early career connections.

Membership Cost: Free for students (link to apply).

Event Cost: Student members are offered free or significantly reduced fees for chapter events.

Student/Emerging Professional Specific Programming: https://iremsd.org/committees

• University/Student Outreach Committee: Encourages students to consider a career in property management and to try to get the IREM curriculum in the classroom at the college level.
• Young Professionals Committee: Promotes IREM and educational courses to new individuals to the business, as well as younger individuals. 

Scholarships: IREM Foundation Scholarships provide partial tuition for up to three IREM credentialing courses in either classroom or on-demand delivery formats.

ICSC: https://www.icsc.com/

The member organization for the advancement of the retail real estate industry, ICSC promotes and elevates the marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather as foundational and vital ingredients of communities and economies. ICSC supports owners, developers, investors, retailers, brokers, and industry professionals through networking opportunities, deal-making events, education, research, and public policy advocacy to advance retail and mixed-use real estate globally.

Membership Cost: $50 per year for students.

Event Cost: All events, with the exception of golf tournaments, are a maximum of $50 for student members, including ICSC LAS VEGAS, the largest commercial real estate conference in the world.

Student/Emerging Professional Specific Programming: 

• Mentorship: Every year ICSC pairs 200 students with industry professionals for an academic year-long mentorship. Applications open early August and close mid-September.
• ICSC Retail Real Estate Modeling Powered by A.CRE:  This essential Excel-based financial modeling program provides valuable financial proficiency training over 10 modules, allowing students to gain skills necessary to enter the job market. Cost: $100. Once completed, students are eligible for a $100 discount for ICSC’s ARGUS Certificate Training for Students.
• ARGUS Certificate Training for Students: Gain ARGUS proficiency through a combination of e-learning courses and virtual training sessions with an expert. For $450, students receive a training manual, access to e-learning modules, three virtual training sessions, three-months of access to the ARGUS platform, and an opportunity to take the certification exam.
• Career Connections: ICSC Career Connections is an internship hub for ICSC Student Members to upload resumes, apply for retail real estate internships at our partner companies, and access career tips from hiring managers and industry experts.

Scholarships: ICSC offers approximately $225,000 in scholarships through an annual scholarship application beginning in January and closing early March. Scholarship recipients receive an assigned mentor, ICSC student membership, and an all-expenses-paid trip to ICSC LAS VEGAS.

ITE: https://www.ite.org/

ITE San Diego: https://sandiegoite.org/

ITE—A Community of Transportation Professionals (ITE) works to improve mobility and safety for all transportation system users while helping to build smart, livable communities. Founded in 1930, ITE is a volunteer-driven professional association representing more than 18,000 engineers, planners, consultants, educators, researchers, technologists, and students across more than 78 countries. ITE supports professional development, career advancement, and community building through conferences, training, publications, research initiatives, and opportunities to contribute to projects that advance the transportation industry. The organization also develops technical resources, standards, and recommended practices; supports education and public awareness; and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practices among transportation professionals.

Membership Cost: Free for students (link to apply).

Student/Emerging Professional Specific Programming:  Student Internships: This program is designed to help identify, place, and support students and recent graduates from local colleges and universities, regardless of their prior experience, to help them get a start in the industry.

Scholarships: Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) San Diego Chapter Scholarships, due in Sept. Must be enrolled in a transportation-related program at time of application submission with plans to pursue a career in a transportation-related field.

National Apartment Association: https://naahq.org/

Southern California Rental Housing Association: https://www.socalrha.org/

The Southern California Rental Housing Association (SCRHA) is a regional professional association serving the rental housing industry and an affiliate of the National Apartment Association. The organization supports rental housing professionals through industry education, advocacy, operational resources, market insights, and professional development. SCRHA serves as a resource for property owners, managers, suppliers, and other industry professionals while representing the interests of the rental housing industry at the local, state, and national levels.

Membership Cost: $35 application fee (one-time)

Student/Emerging Professional Specific Programming: Next Generation Emerging Leaders designed for professionals 40 years and younger, focusing on networking, leadership development, and engagement within the association.

Scholarships: Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarshipprovides professional development opportunities for members of racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ groups, people with disabilities and veterans/active members of the military.

Urban Land Institute: https://uli.org/

ULI San Diego – Tijuana: https://sandiego-tijuana.uli.org/ 

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a global professional organization focused on responsible land use and the development of thriving, sustainable communities. Its membership brings together professionals from across the real estate and land use industries, including development, planning, design, finance, investment, and the public sector. Local ULI districts provide opportunities for professional development, networking, mentorship, educational programming, and industry engagement while connecting members with expertise and best practices from ULI’s broader global network.

Membership Costs: Student dues are $11/month or $132/annual. Any undergraduate student can sign up for a free ULI account, without becoming a member, to receive invitations to events and updates on research reports and other content from ULI.

Event Costs: Students can attend any event even if they are not a ULI member.  ULI hosts many events, some of which are are free/discounted for members and some of which have registration fees.

Student/Emerging Professional Specific Programming: Partnership Forum Groups (PFG) is a mentorship program that connects ULI young professionals (Mentees) with established industry leaders (Mentors). The group-style format focuses on unique project tours, career guidance, industry education, leadership skills, and peer networking. This unique experience also offers our mentors an opportunity to strengthen ties with the young future leaders of the local real estate community and ULI. Note: Each PFG participant must pay an annual dues fee for participation in the program along with their costs of ULI membership.

US Green Building Council California: https://usgbc-ca.org/

USGBC California works to transform California’s built environment to create a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future. By bringing together green building professionals and advocates statewide, the organization champions sustainability and environmental justice, advances green building practices, supports climate education, and promotes community action.

Through its statewide network and regional communities, USGBC California builds on a collective legacy of environmental stewardship while creating opportunities for collaboration and meaningful action across the state.

Membership Cost: $25 per year for students.

Student/Emerging Professional Specific Programming:

• Green Building Corps: The Green Building Corps is a professional development (Internship) program that gives emerging professionals and career changers real-world experience in sustainability projects, including climate resilience, energy efficiency, building decarbonization, and green building standards. Whether you’re a student, recent grad, or career changer, this is your pathway into a thriving green career.
• Mentorship program available. 

WTS International: https://www.wtsinternational.org/

WTS San Diego: https://www.wtsinternational.org/chapters/san-diego

WTS International is dedicated to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable transportation industry through the global advancement of women. We advance women; advance transportation.

Membership Cost: Free for students.

Student/Emerging Professional Specific Programming:

• Mentorship Program: The WTS San Diego County Mentorship Program provides students, growing and experienced professionals a program that supports them in achieving their professional goals and career growth in the transportation industry.
• Professional Development: WTS San Diego County is committed to attracting, retaining, and advancing women in the transportation industry through the various professional development events including Focus Topic Programs, Talk Series, and Lunch & Learn Series.

Scholarships: Through the generous contributions of our members and chapter supporters, WTS San Diego awards scholarships that recognize the potential contributions of high school, community college, undergraduate and graduate students to the transportation industry. The Paulette Duve Memorial Scholarship rewards students in transportation-related fields who have an interest in pursuing a career in transportation. Applications are due in June.