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Professional Associations


An Excellent Place to Learn!

People join professional associations for many reasons - to network, to access volume discounts for health insurance and retail, and to get their names listed in directories.

Students will discover that professional associations are an excellent place to learn! Much like clubs, professional associations are focused around a specific topic. Some are part of national networks, while other associations are purely local.

Whether you're studying to be a paralegal, a technical writer, or a pet groomer, there is an association for you.

Most associations have membership dues, and some have qualifications for joining. But most welcome students (it helps if you're actually taking a course), and are happy to help visitors get acquainted.

I was really nervous to attend a meeting of a local professional public relations association. I assumed they'd instantly want a check for $400 in dues, want me to fill out forms, and demand to see my resume. I pictured it all happening in a large conference room.

When I called, they said the monthly meeting would be at a downtown coffee house. They just pushed some tables together, somebody welcomed us and asked me to introduce myself, and then we had a fairly informal "meeting" over a cup of joe.I met great people there, and I've learned from every one of them. We help each other grow in our profession. And we have a great time.

~ A WorldWide Learn user

How to find your Professional Association

It's easy to find professional associations! You can search the Internet. Even easier, call your local Chamber of Commerce. Chances are they'll know about an association for you. If they don't, there's a good chance they'll know someone in your profession, and help you get in contact.

Don't be shy. Call them up and get yourself invited to an association meeting - even if it's just an association of two!