Information Technology Associations to Join

• Association for Computing Machinery
• Network Professional Association
• CompTIA
• Association for Women in Computing
• Association of Information Technology Professionals

Professional associations are the perfect place for recent graduates and Information Technology professionals to network and learn more about the field. Not only will joining allow you to spend time gaining valuable knowledge from other experts in IT, but members will also begin to learn more about the industry standards.

Many professional IT associations host conferences that discuss the latest trends. Attending conferences and joining IT organizations can provide valuable information when you interview, allowing you to come across as being incredibly knowledgeable and advanced. They also provide continuing education through a variety of newsletters and publications, offering potential new certifications and to keep members up to date on the latest best practices. The associations will often even present tips for getting an information technology job and internship opportunities since many associations have job boards.

Are you wondering which associations to join? Here is a list of the top five information technology associations.

Association for Computing Machinery

The ACM is one of the first professional associations for IT professionals. It has more than 100,000 members and 860 local chapters which host a variety of networking opportunities. The ACM also hosts a variety of conferences, symposia, and workshops to provide the latest information to its members.

They seek to bring together professionals, researchers and even computing educators to connect and discuss growing the collective voice in IT. They promote professional growth through networking, career development and learning opportunities.

Network Professional Association

This non-profit association has been around since 1991 and offers a Certified Network Professional credential. In order to receive it, members must demonstrate advanced education, experience, and adhere to the code of ethics. They publish online articles and interviews with thought leaders in the industry as well as the Network Professional Journal which is published quarterly. They provide a job board for members to post their resumes and look at the currently available positions.

CompTIA

CompTIA, or the Information Technology Industry & Association is a non-profit trade association. They have been recognized for their certification programs and original research. CompTIA members have access to events, communities, and research studies. They encourage the belief that membership is not just about consuming information but also about contributing to the community as a whole. With events like ChannelCon and the EMEA Member and Partner Conference, CompTIA provides the opportunity to network face to face with some of the industry leaders. However, they also offer webinars and virtual events to help professionals enhance their business and career development. They also provide research reports and resources to their premium members.

Association for Women in Computing

This association is geared towards helping women in IT advance their careers. It has been around since 1978 and has a strong membership roster who have worked as technical writers, trainers, internet specialists, consultants, system analysts, programmers, and other leadership positions in IT. Through networking and programs on technical and career boosting topics, the AWC creates high standards for all of its members. They have both local chapters and independent memberships so members can network in person and over the internet. Membership includes continuing education, networking events, and possible mentoring opportunities.

Association of Information Technology Professionals

The Association of Information Technology Professionals or AITP has more that 4,500 members. They also provide a job board called “Techtalent” which helps you land a job based on skills, salary and other data. They have the latest in IT chapters, local chapters to bring the networking face to face, and other career resources to help you advance your career. AITP provide training to help you improve your skills in both the technical and social skills to help you advance your career. They have more than 1,200 courses to choose from.

Conclusion

Whether you are just beginning your career or if you are an experienced professional, joining associations provides the opportunity to reveal yourself as a though leader in the information technology industry. Joining any of the associations above will allow you to network with other professionals and leaders as well as providing the most up to date information. The educational opportunities provided through these information technology associations are also invaluable.

Related Resource: The 19 Best Online Associates in Information Technology Degree Programs