One of the most important parts of excelling in the field of business is networking. No matter which type of business you find yourself working in, joining a professional organization can be a fantastic way to connect with other business professionals not only in your field but in other fields as well. With many different options out there, it can be difficult to decide which organization to join, and why. Here are just a few of the great professional business-oriented organizations that we recommend you research further if you are looking for a way to keep yourself knowledgeable and actively engaged in any field of business:
The American Business Women’s Association provides career support, education, networking opportunities, and national recognition to businesswomen of diverse occupations. ABWA is committed to creating accessible, affordable, and innovative learning opportunities that will prepare business leaders to respond to the challenges or opportunities that they may experience at any given moment in their career. As a National member, you can choose from a diverse collection of online courses in ABWA’s Apex Campus available 24/7. They welcome learners of all ages, educational backgrounds and career paths who are motivated to chart their learning journey. More than 5,000 business and networking meetings are hosted each year in hundreds of cities across the nation.
Business Professionals of America is a career and technical student organization that provides information on careers in business management, office administration, information technology, and other related fields. With 45,000 members in over 1,8000 chapters, BPA strives to develop and empower student leaders to discover their passion and change the world by creating unmatched opportunities in learning, professional growth, and service. As a co-curricular organization, Business Professionals of America has the ability to enhance student participation in professional, civic, service, and social endeavors. Business Professionals of America members participate in these activities to accomplish their goals of self-improvement, leadership development, professionalism, community service, career development, public relations, student cooperation, safety, and health.
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization is a non-profit educational agency that focuses on business growth, personal development, and community engagement for entrepreneurs. With over 14,000 leading entrepreneurs in 195 chapters and 61 countries, they seek to educate, transform, inspire, and offer invaluable resources in the form of global events, leadership-development programs, online entrepreneur forums, and executive education opportunities. At its core, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization is a collection of like-minded individuals focused on business growth, personal development, and community engagement. It is in this way that EO enables business leaders to learn from each other, resulting in greater business success and an enriched personal life.
The International Franchise Association protects, enhances, and promotes franchising and franchise companies. They strive to support franchise growth and connect their community. They’ve bridged the gap between franchising and diverse communities, strengthened the franchising community, and implemented strategic initiatives that drive change around the world. Their educational opportunities allow you to develop a franchise system that operates under the highest standards. Events hosted by the IFA will help you learn, connect, and grow your business. IFA allows you an opportunity to explore franchising opportunities that match your goals, resources, and passions. As the world’s largest franchising association, IFA is in the position to set you and your business up for lasting success.
5. American Marketing Association (AMA)
The American Marketing Association is the largest marketing association in North America. They provide help with developing key marketing strategies for customers, members, and stakeholders. Members of the American Marketing Association are dedicated professionals who work, teach, and study in the field of marketing. Membership benefits include access to exclusive AMA content and discounts on products and events that will help you boost your knowledge and advance your career. You will also get an opportunity to connect with marketers in your area through one of their more than 70 local professional chapters across the country, as well as search for job opportunities that are tailored to match your requirements.
Hopefully, this list has shown you some of the differences between the many organizations and opportunities available to business students and professionals and help you choose the one that’s right for you. Please note that some of these organizations have various membership fees, so be sure to check out their website to find out more information about how to join. Between access to resources, connecting with other experienced professionals and continuing your education, joining a business organization should definitely be at the top of your list for furthering your professional development. If you want to find out more about any of these great organizations, we recommend following their profiles on LinkedIn. Creating a LinkedIn profile is essential to professional networking and career development. If you have any questions about creating and maintaining your own LinkedIn profile, feel free to schedule an appointment for a LinkedIn consultation with a Career Coach at the Center for Career Development.
