IEEE-HKN members consist of students, alumni, and other professionals who have demonstrated exceptional academic and professional accomplishments. Student members are selected on the basis of scholastic standing, character, and leadership. Professional members are nominated by a current member and selected by virtue of their contributions. ECE students who are Juniors and rate in the top quarter of their class as well as students who are Seniors and rate in the top third of their class are invited to join the HKN Iota Lambda Chapter during the Fall and Spring Semester each year. Once inducted, members become part of a Nationally Recognized Honor Society with a lifetime membership, in addition to a year of membership in IEEE.

HKN is recognized throughout the profession and members carry with them the distinction of superior scholarship, attitude, and character. Employers seek out IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu chapters and graduates and generally have a close recruiting relationship with chapters. It is our tradition to help each other, to network, to find work, to advise, and to guide. Alumni chapters, in particular, were started to help fellow members in their professional lives.