My Junior d was invited to join Tau Beta Pi. Does anyone have experience with this group and have recommendations whether to join. She said it is $100 for a lifetime membership.
May matter in some industries (Mech, Chem etc). Less or not at all in others (eg CS)
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I joined in junior year. It does look good on resume, and at our school there were monthly meetings. (We had to wear professional attire. I used to joke “what profession”?). In those days there was an interesting magazine, but probably it’s all online tomorrow…
I also joined Pi Tau Sigma, mechanical engineering honor society. Hubby was treasurer, and perhaps that was helpful in the set of interviews that got him his first job. However that was due to an unlikely coincidence - one of the interviewers had done same role / same college years before… and was amazed that he got 100% dues collection (deferral til after graduation is allowed).
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The magazine is still in print form.
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My D opted to skip it. Her campus chapter didn’t have anything going on during covid and she felt that it wasn’t worth it if she couldn’t contribute the community is some way.
Her GPA and honors designation are on her resume.
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My dad had the Greek letters, Tau Beta Pi, on his UT class ring. For some reason, as a kid I thought that was really cool and decided I would get into the honor society so I could do the same. And I did. I was an officer in the organization and got to meet Robert Crippen (space shuttle commander) in that capacity. I’ve found that other engineers do respect the honor. I’m glad I joined. 
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Being a member of Tau Beta Pi was a big deal at my alma mater. The chapter was very active. I suppose it depends on the school, but I would think it’s a good thing to join.
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She is an EE major interested in software.
My son (major: CS) was cajoled into accepting this by someone (not sure who) on campus. He was anyway doing the service component – so he figured it’s just a $100. It is not on his resume or on his linkedin. In this day and age – not really helpful in his major. In some of the traditional engg majors it may be helpful. You never know. It is just $100.
She should have association with ACM, IEEE etc. Those will suggest to an employer that she is plugged in into the field, maybe occasionally going to conferences etc.
e.g. Membership Benefits - IEEE Students
ACM Quick Join Student Application Form – also there will be student chapters on campus
Should also attend Grace Hopper
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One of my sons was invited to join, went to a couple meetings, even polished a “bent”, but didn’t follow through with it. Not sure it mattered career wise, but it might have been nice to have. Probably can’t hurt!
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My son did it, but wasn’t heavily involved in the chapter. It’s certainly the most prestigious engineering honor society. There’s little reason not to. It’s cheap and only requires a little time investment. If even a single employer looks at it and it alters their opinion, it will have been worth it. No one will look at it negatively.
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I did once meet somebody who was going to grad school with the help of a Pi Tau Sigma scholarship. It’s not a likely outcome, but thought I should mention it.
I think it was $60 back in my time, when most engineering salaries were under $30k. If on the fence and $100 not a hardship… I’d lean toward encouraging it. (Tis more useful than the semi-scam “who’s who” high school / college books.).
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Engineers understand that it’s the equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa.
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Thank you for all the great comments. D suggested I check for advice on this site. Please continue to comment if anyone has opinions they want to share.