Membership associations play a crucial role in connecting like-minded individuals, fostering professional growth, and providing a platform for networking and collaboration. Whether you are looking to enhance your career prospects or looking to get more involved in a particular field within your industry, joining the right membership association can open doors to new and exciting career opportunities.
Making the decision on which membership association to join can be a bit of a daunting task, seeing as there are so many spanning across the globe. In this guide we’ll take you through how to explore the world of membership associations and how to choose the one most suited to you.
Interests and Goals
Before skimming through the plethora of membership associations available to you, it’s important to identify your interests and goals. Write a list of what you’re hoping to get in return from joining – this could be anything from access to resources, to training opportunities. Reflecting on your own expectations will make whittling down the list of relevant associations a whole lot easier.
Do Your Research
Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, it’s important to take the time to research the available membership associations online. Take time to consider if the opportunities that they offer line up with your expectations, and what other additional benefits may be included within the membership. Many associations break their members down into subgroups, by separating their industry into further niche groups that may be better suited to your line of work.
Membership Structure
Not all membership associations offer a flat membership fee. While many do offer a “one size fits all” member plan, others may offer further structure in the form of tiered memberships – this could be through provisional memberships for people just starting off in the industry. There could be a range of different options for you to choose from, all varying in costs and level of benefits, so it’s worth taking your time to research the best fit for you.
Networking Opportunities
One primary benefit provided by the majority of membership associations is their access to networking opportunities. Consider whether the association gives you the chance to engage with peers who share similar interests and will be able to help you to develop valuable professional relationships.
While networking is traditionally done in a face-to-face environment, research whether the association utilises social media or forums as a form of engagement. Being active throughout these channels can provide quick and easy access to useful information, and open new doors.
Try Before You Buy
It’s uncommon for associations to offer trial periods for new members, but some do make “free memberships” available, with limited benefits. This can help you to explore multiple different membership associations before settling on the one that’s best for you.
Associations may offer events which are open to non-members – these will also allow you to test the waters before making a (sometimes costly) commitment.
Before diving headfirst into any association, remember to take your time and follow this guide to ensure you are making a calculated decision. Let us know in the comments which membership associations you are connected with and why.