How can you leverage professional associations to advance your IT career?

3 Examples of professional associations

IT professionals have access to a variety of professional associations, such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), and the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. ACM is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, with over 100,000 members from various disciplines and industries. IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization, with over 400,000 members from engineering, computing, and technology fields. ISACA is a global association for IT governance, audit, security, risk, and compliance professionals, with over 145,000 members from various sectors and roles. (ISC)2 is a global nonprofit organization for cybersecurity and IT security professionals, with over 150,000 members from various industries and functions. These associations offer a range of benefits to their members in terms of publications, conferences, special interest groups, chapters, awards, and online learning resources.

4 How to join and participate in professional associations

If you’ve identified a professional association that interests you, follow these steps to join and participate in it. Start by researching the association's website and social media to find information about its mission, vision, values, history, membership requirements, benefits, fees, and application process. Then contact the association's staff or representatives to ask questions and express your interest in joining. You can also reach out to existing members for their experiences and insights. Once you’re ready to apply for membership, fill out the application form and provide the necessary documents. Depending on the association's criteria, you may need to pass an exam, submit a portfolio, or get a referral. Afterwards, engage with the association's activities and events by attending, volunteering, speaking, presenting, or sponsoring. You can also join the association's online platforms and introduce yourself by being active and contributing value.

5 How to make the most of professional associations

To leverage professional associations to advance your IT career, you should not only join and participate in them, but also make the most of them. To do this, set clear and realistic goals that you can track and evaluate. Be selective and strategic in which associations and events you join or attend, as they should be relevant and beneficial for you to achieve your goals. Additionally, be proactive and curious by taking initiative to seek opportunities to learn, network, and grow. Respect the rules, etiquette, and norms of the association, as well as the diversity and privacy of others. Finally, be consistent and committed in maintaining relationships and skills over time by following up, staying in touch, and continuing to learn.

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?