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There are over 135,000 nonprofit membership organizations worldwide.
Associations are grouped under the headings of professional associations
(existing to serve the interests of a professional group), trade associations
(serving business interests), or groups of individuals with a common interest
(such as philanthropic and charitable associations).
The majority of associations in the US are headquartered in Washington,
DC, New York, or Chicago.
Associations serve to share up-to-date information about their professions,
solve occupational problems and share solutions.
It is often the mission of these groups to advance the special interests
of the profession or group and educate members and the public about the
profession or group and their interests.
Many of these organizations set professional standards, establish product
safety and quality standards and provide research on the profession/industry.
Staff are often asked to gather and analyze data, advocate for and
mobilize to meet social and economic needs, serve as a communications link
between members and government, and assist members with understanding and
complying with new laws and regulations Career Paths and Entry Salaries
Many associations are involved in the domestic and international arenas,
partly due to an expansion of organization memberships to include non-US
members, and partly due to an upsurge in opportunities for entering new overseas
markets. As a result, associations
are hiring full-time personnel who are skilled in international operations,
knowledgeable about geographic regions and cultural distinctions. Duties can
range from developing new chapters or affiliates outside the United States, to
marketing the organization's products and services internationally.
In a trade association, you may be asked to plan trade missions to U.S.
regions or foreign countries, or to develop reports on the market potential of
your members' products or message.
In addition, you may organize a group of members to participate in
overseas trade shows or help recruit domestic or overseas exhibitors to the
association's exposition in the United States.
In a professional society, you may be asked to work with the
organization's overseas counterpart to co-sponsor a technical or educational
meeting. You may also be involved in translating the organization's publications
into one or more languages, or developing an international certification
program.
Entry-level positions and salaries are based on education, experience,
geographic location, size, and the budget of the association.
The salary range for people with graduate degrees in public policy,
international affairs, business, economics, political science, or law, who serve
as analysts, policy specialists, management, and government affairs assistants,
is between $30,000 and $50,000.
Finding a job in an association is the same as finding a job in any other
career. The American Society of
Association Executives (ASAE) suggests
job seekers network, contact ASAE people in their geographic area, browse trade
publications and directories, consider interning at an association, or join an
association to locate employment opportunities.
Government affairs specialists will spend a considerable amount of time
monitoring government activities to identify public policy that could affect
members; therefore, they should have a solid understanding of government
procedures and an intimate knowledge of key issues surrounding the association’s
profession or industry. Association
staff may, from time to time, testify before congressional committees.
Students often end up working either on national legislation in an
advisory or advocacy role, or on standards, policy and treaty obligations
through international organizations.
Additional duties may include: arranging conventions, meetings and seminars;
functioning as sales and marketing staff; fulfilling roles in finance,
government relations, publishing, fundraising, public speaking; and working with
an association’s board of directors. Qualifications Necessary
Students wishing to work for associations will need
to have good coordinating and planning skills, excellent communication skills,
the ability to manage people, and at least a basic knowledge of financial
management. In addition, because of
the nature of the work and the interpersonal skills required, it is necessary to
possess public relations skills, the ability to work on a team, the ability to
communicate well to a group and explain complex issues in simple terms.
International associations or those that support international
organizations may require proficiency in a second language and experience
working or studying in other cultures.
Because of the amount of correspondence conducted by associations,
excellent writing skills are a must. Sample Employers
Associations can be found for most sectors, professions and industries
including manufacturing, religion, education, foundations, trade, health,
environment, corrections, and public management.
Browsing the websites of a range of professional, trade, charitable and
philanthropic associations will provide additional information on the scope of
association activities and missions.
The following cross-section of associations may be a good place to start: Associations
American Council on Education,
www.acenet.edu
Resources For More Information Internet Resources
·
Encyclopedia of Associations
http://library.dialog.com/bluesheets/pdf/bl0114.pdf
·
Association Management
http://www.asaenet.org.
The Association for Association Executives
·
Association Trends
http://www.associationtrends.com/ · Associations on the Net, http://www.ipl.org/div/aon/ Internet Public Library
·
FITA Directory
of International Trade Associations in North America,
http://fita.org/members.html, Federation of International Trade Associations
·
USAE –
The Weekly Newspaper of Associations, CVB’s and Hotels
·
Directory
of Associations
http://www.marketingsource.com/associations/ This page current as of: April 24, 2008 |
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