Professional Associations – Marketing
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 Marketing 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.
Marketing
Professional Associations
American Marketing Association
The American Marketing Association (AMA) strives to be the most relevant force and voice shaping marketing around the world, an essential community for marketers. We are a community of future marketers and dedicated professionals who work, teach and study in the field. Together we will advance the field of marketing.
🎓 Discounted student membership!
Association of National Advertisers
The ANA is the U.S. advertising industry’s oldest and largest trade association. Originally known as the Association of National Advertising Managers, it merged with the Business Marketing Association (BMA), Brand Activation Association (BAA), and Data & Marketing Association (DMA) to form today’s ANA. It was established to promote cooperative relationships between regional and national advertising industries, manufacturers and dealers, and advertisers and agencies.
American Advertising Federation
Established in 1905, the American Advertising Federation (AAF) is the only organization that includes members across all disciplines and career levels in advertising. Whether you’re new to the fast-paced world of advertising or a seasoned professional, the AAF is for you. We’re here to help you advance your career, build your connections and celebrate this ever-changing, amazing industry we work in.
*No national membership options; find a regional chapter to join.
📍 AAF Colorado Chapter
📍 Ad Club CO NEXT (Ad 2 Colorado)
🎓 Discounted student membership!
Sales and Marketing Executives International
SMEI is devoted to helping sales and marketing professionals around the world reach their full potential. Our unique value proposition lies in our wide range of professional certifications, providing individuals with a competitive edge by validating their experience, knowledge and professionalism. We strive for excellence so that every member can thrive through better career preparedness and advancement opportunities.
The Social Media Association (SMA) is a trade association focused on social media and digital communications for business. Our mission is to set the standard for all ethical, legal digital marketing practices. Our members are forward-thinking people interested in business and media innovation. SMA informs, inspires, and empowers members. Our goal is to provide an open, inviting forum where we can learn, grow, and have fun together.
🎓 Discounted student membership!
Public Relations Society of America
We are the leading professional organization serving the public relations and communications community. PRSA provides networking opportunities, helps you stay on top of evolving trends, and unites our members through our Code of Ethics.
🎓 Discounted student membership!
The Sport Marketing Association (SMA) has led the effort in developing and expanding the body of knowledge in sport marketing by providing forums for professional interaction among practitioners, academics, and students dedicated to the sport marketing field.
🎓 Discounted student membership!
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
HSMAI is a global organization of sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales, marketing, and revenue management disciplines, as well as connecting its members with customers.
🎓 Discounted student membership!
Global Entertainment Marketing Academy of Arts & Sciences
The Global Entertainment Marketing Academy of Arts & Sciences is home to the creative and strategic minds driving the industry forward. With a worldwide network, we empower, celebrate excellence, and preserve the enduring significance of marketing creativity and strategy in the ever-evolving world of entertainment, from TV/Streaming, Video Games, Sports, Music, to Film.
🎓 Discounted student membership!