How do you know if professional associations are credible?

1 Check the mission and vision

The first thing to look at is the mission and vision of the professional association. What are its goals, values, and principles? How does it serve its members and the public interest? How does it advance the field of industrial engineering and its subdisciplines? A credible professional association should have a clear and consistent mission and vision that aligns with the best practices and ethical standards of industrial engineering.

2 Review the membership criteria and benefits

The next thing to consider is the membership criteria and benefits of the professional association. Who can join the association and what are the requirements? What are the benefits of being a member and how do they compare with other associations? How much does it cost to join and renew the membership? A credible professional association should have transparent and reasonable membership criteria and benefits that reflect the diversity, quality, and professionalism of industrial engineers.

3 Verify the accreditation and endorsement

Another factor to examine is the accreditation and endorsement of the professional association. Is the association accredited by a recognized body or agency that evaluates its performance, governance, and standards? Is the association endorsed by other reputable organizations, institutions, or authorities in industrial engineering or related fields? A credible professional association should have valid and verifiable accreditation and endorsement that demonstrate its credibility and legitimacy.

4 Explore the resources and opportunities

A further aspect to explore is the resources and opportunities that the professional association offers. What are the types, formats, and sources of the resources that the association provides, such as publications, newsletters, webinars, podcasts, or blogs? What are the opportunities that the association facilitates, such as events, conferences, workshops, awards, scholarships, or mentoring? A credible professional association should have relevant and updated resources and opportunities that support the learning, development, and recognition of industrial engineers.

5 Assess the reputation and feedback

The last thing to assess is the reputation and feedback of the professional association. What is the history, track record, and impact of the association in industrial engineering or related fields? What are the ratings, reviews, testimonials, or complaints of the association from its members, partners, or stakeholders? A credible professional association should have a positive and trustworthy reputation and feedback that reflect its value and satisfaction.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?