Professional Organizations

If you are thinking about entering a career in PR or marketing, I would recommend checking out some professional organizations at your school or community.  Although membership dues can be a little expensive, there are a lot of benefits that come with your membership including exclusive job banks, newsletters, networking opportunities, discounts, scholarships, awards, professional development workshops and access to mentors.  It is a great opportunity to get a leg up on the job competition and become a better at what you do. Becoming a member shows you are interested in continual learning and becoming a better professional. If you lack experience in internships, become an officer or volunteer to gain some more experience. Professional organizations also help build your resume and show you do things outside of work. 

American Marketing Association (AMA)- According to their Web site, “The American Marketing Association (AMA) is the largest marketing association in North America. It is a professional association for individuals and organizations involved in the practice, teaching and study of marketing worldwide. It is also the source that marketers turn to every day for information/resources, education/training and professional networking. AMA members are connected to a network of experienced marketers nearly 40,000 strong and include leading marketing academics, researchers and practitioners from every industry.”

I’ve been a member of the AMA for two years and I don’t think I’d cancel my membership anytime soon. Their magazine, Marketing Power is great and informative. Their national job bank is one of the best with a lot of  postings for entry-level positions. 

International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)- IABC was founded in 1970 and is made of a diverse group of professionals not just people in PR and marketing, it is open to anyone who is a communicator. The organization has members in over 70 countries. The organization offers conferences, webinars and a variety of events. IABC also offers accreditation programs with five to seven years of experience.  I don’t know too much about this organization but it seems more like an opportunity for more professionals with more experience. 

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)/ Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)- According to their Web site, “The Public Relations Society of America, based in New York City, is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals. The Society has nearly 32,000 professional and student members. PRSA is organized into more than 100 Chapters nationwide, 19 Professional Interest Sections and Affinity Groups, which represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has nearly 300 Chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States.” 

I was a member of PRSSA for two years and also was chapter treasurer. PRSSA has many great opportunities to connect with mentors, great job bank with a lot of cool internships and professional growth including the Bateman Case Study Competition. The Bateman Competition gives you the opportunity to gain real experience by competing against PR students across the country by developing and implementing a PR campaign. 

Any other professional organizations or clubs you would recommend joining?