Professional associations are organizations that provide their members opportunities for learning, advocacy, and networking. Their membership is typically comprised of individuals in a particular profession, folks who work in the same industry, or people who share a common identity—similar to the student organization’s here in the College of Business, like Society for Human Resource Management, Real Estate Club, or Latinx Business Association.
Joining a professional association (even as a college student!) provides numerous benefits worth considering.
One of the biggest reasons to join a professional association is to build relationships with people in your industry or role. Connecting to a community of professionals while you’re in college can help you gain career insights, access to possible mentors (many associations have membership directories), and build a foundation of professional contacts that will be helpful as you begin your post-grad career.
Many professional associations have LinkedIn pages or groups you could join, too!
Attending conferences, webinars, and meet-ups hosted by a professional association will allow you to keep up with trends, knowledge, and skills necessary to be successful in your future career. You can dive deeper into niche topics, or even earn a credential, which will set you apart from other soon-to-be graduates. There may even be opportunities to volunteer on a committee or gain leadership experience, which can bolster your resume.
Apart from networking with members and professionals who may have job or internship opportunities to share, many professional associations have job boards (some are open, some require membership to access) or job announcements they send out to members.
As a membership benefit, professional associations may send out a newsletter, industry journal, or provide access to other resources to their members, again providing you the opportunity to learn from other professionals and stay on top of current news and trends.
Some professional associations offer scholarships and funding opportunities to make attending conferences and events, or earning credentials, more financially feasible for students. Associations often offer discounted student membership pricing you can take advantage of, too.
Below is just a sample of professional associations related to the Supply Chain Management concentration. For a more comprehensive list visit CareerOneStop, linked below, where you can search a database of hundreds of organizations by industry and/or role.
*Check association websites for up-to-date membership information and pricing.
Supply Chain Management
Professional Associations
Association for Supply Chain Management
The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) is the global leader in supply chain organizational transformation, innovation and leadership. As the largest non-profit association for supply chain, ASCM is an unbiased partner, connecting companies around the world to the newest thought leadership on all aspects of supply chain.
🎓 Free annual student membership!
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
Built by members, for members—CSCMP’s mission is to connect, educate and develop the world’s supply chain management professionals throughout their careers. At each stage of career development, CSCMP has the resources to help our community achieve ambitions large and small.
🎓 Discounted student membership, which can be converted to a free 1-year new professional membership!
Institute for Supply Management
ISM curates an extensive worldwide supply chain network to support our members in their career journeys. Our network of local chapters, global partners and special interest groups and forums allow us to offer supply chain professionals with tools, resources and education to enhance their career goals and support their success.
🎓Discounted student and new professional memberships!
As the only trade association that connects all partners within the industrial supply channel, ISA provides the networking opportunities, education, strategies, analytics, and tools for companies to stay relevant – and competitive – throughout industry change.
MHI, the nation’s largest material handling, logistics and supply chain association, works to deliver the latest knowledge, the strongest connections, powerful industry leadership, and the best market access for manufacturing and supply chain professionals.
Warehousing Education and Research Council
WERC, a division of MHI, is the only professional organization focused on warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment and its role in the supply chain. WERC has a strategic vision to continuously offer resources that help warehousing, distribution and fulfillment professionals, suppliers, 3PLs, educators, and students stay on top in our dynamic field.
🎓 Free student membership!
International Warehouse Logistics Association
As the resource for warehouse logistics, IWLA is the only trade association that represents the interests of third-party logistics (3PL) providers across North America. IWLA offers specialized education for warehouse owners, executives and operators.
🎓Discounted student membership!
National Association of State Procurement Officials
NASPO is the nation’s leader in public procurement, driving excellence for its members through diverse programs, resources, and initiatives. NASPO’s Primary membership is comprised of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States.
🎓 Free student membership!
