Whether you are an individual IT professional or a technology company, making the most of management information systems (MIS) organizations means joining organizations that give the most rewards. IT associations can offer many opportunities for social and professional networking, training and education. Membership in some organizations can offer prestige and proof of industry knowledge and success.

There are hundreds of information systems management professional organizations in the United States. Some offer membership to any IT professional or company. Others limit membership to specific groups or industries. To find the management information systems organization that is right for you:

1. Browse listings of IT organizations to compare membership benefits and requirements;

2. Find organizations that offer events near your location;

3. Consider joining a group that is limited to your industry or characteristics.

Action Steps
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Browse a list of MIS associations

IT associations of various sizes and types are located throughout the world. With so many membership opportunities available, a source that provides information about various organizations can help to narrow down the ones that are right for your company.

I recommend: Your school or organization is the first place to look for directories of IT associations. For comprehensive public lists, check out Weddle's and Intelligent EDU from DeepSearcher.

Choose a management information systems association that offers events at many locations

Membership in an IT organization is especially beneficial when you are often able to attend meetings and events. Events provide an opportunity to network with others and learn more about the industry. Look for local organizations and national associations that offer events in your area.

I recommend: The Information Technology Association of America holds frequent events in California, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and other areas. ITAA membership is open to any company in the U.S. that offers commercial IT products and services. AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association) holds events throughout the U.S., as well as teleconferences. Look for groups that have chapters throughout the country, like the Association of Information Technology Professionals.

Find MIS professional organizations geared toward your industry or characteristics

Many groups are open to any individual or company that provides IT services and products. Some are limited to specific types of companies, industries or people. Join one of these groups to make connections with others who face the same challenges and experiences.

I recommend: Narrow your search to organizations whose members are similar to you. For example, The Business Technology Association serves the business equipment and systems industry. Groups like the American Association of Webmasters and International Webmasters Association are open to web masters and designers. Several groups, including the Association for Women in Computing and the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology are dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in IT professions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that some professional MIS organizations charge an annual fee for membership. Find out if the benefits of membership outweigh the fees.
• •  Some IT organizations offer special benefits like health and life insurance. Many also offer training and certification.

A management information systems organization provides a focal point for relations and contact with government, private companies and in education that can control the nature of information systems. MIS professional organizations create a vision of the IS field's future and improve curriculum of IS education. Members have access to educational tools as well as industry news that they don’t get in their day-to-day profession. MIS associations are a collaboration of professionals with experiences and expertise to share.

Joining a management information systems association gives you tactical and strategic direction. IT associations inspire the minds of professionals in a community atmosphere. There is face-to-face networking, chapter meetings, publications, articles an online resources. All are designed to put you at the top of your game. When considering a MIS management association:

1. Join IT associations to network and learn from your peers.

2. Pay annual membership dues to belong to a management information systems organization.

3. Expect benefits to range from professional discounts to an increase in personal knowledge.

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Use Management Information Systems (MIS) organizations to network with other industry colleagues

IT associations run the gamut from local groups to international associations. All have one goal: to further the MIS industry. They offer members valuable resources and relationships.

I recommend: The Association for Information Systems (AIS) is a professional MIS international association. The association creates and maintains a professional identity for IS researchers, educators and professionals. Register online to be a member of AIS. The Computer Measurement Group (CMG) is a global association of IT professionals who strive to share information and best practices. Their focus is to ensure the scalability and efficiency of IT service delivery. Sign up for upcoming conferences for networking opportunities.

Pay annual dues to join a management information systems association

Professional MIS organizations charge varying annual dues, depending on the group and the membership level. Expect to pay more for certain events, workshops and publications.

I recommend: Information Resources Management Association (IRMA) is an organization dedicated to furthering members' professionalism. IRMA brings together practitioners, researchers, academicians and policy makers in IT management. Apply online to be a member. Dues range, depending on whether you choose a student membership or corporate membership. Society for Information Management (SIM) is a place where information management executives can discuss technology issues. Benefits include networking, newsletters, education and advocacy opportunities. View the membership criteria and apply online.

Benefit personally and professionally from joining IT organizations

Membership benefits to MIS professional organizations range from meetings, books, journals, conferences, networking opportunities and discounts.

I recommend: Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) is comprised of professionals who want to grow their career. Benefits include networking opportunities, IT conferences, advocacy efforts, research developments, vendor solutions and career opportunities. There are also special discounts on education courses and group insurance plans. Register as a professional member online. Association of Computer Support Specialists (ACSS) is a great network for MIS professionals because your name and skills are posted online providing an opportunity to build your client base. Members also get certification-prep courses, discounts and much more.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep your membership to IT organizations up to date. Each group has a different process to renew membership.

If you have just graduated with a Management of Information Systems (MIS) or other IT degree, and are planning on starting your own business, it can be very beneficial to join one of the many IT organizations that exist. These organizations are meant to give you a leg up against your professional, unassociated colleagues.

The following Management Information Systems (MIS) organizations education and training tips will help you decide which professional MIS organizations will best assist you in your chosen business venture:

1. Check out the college where you received your degree to find out if they have a Management Information Systems organization you can join.
2. Join formal Information Systems Management Professional organizations and attend their educational conferences.
3. Get discounts on certifications and training by becoming a member of MIS professional organizations.
   

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Consult with your alma mater to see you they have any MIS associations you can join

Most colleges have a Management Information Systems association that will help you network, get business advice or assist with continuing education. Whether you are currently in school, or have already finished your degree, check with your college to find out whether they have such an organization for you to join.

I recommend: Students at the San Jose University or Sacramento State can join the local MIS Association. Florida State University alumni and students can join the MIS association and have their resume published on CD. These associations often offer assistance completing your degree, as well as post-graduate continuing education discounts.

Attend educational conferences sponsored by professional MIS organizations

Large, well-established IT associations generally charge dues, but offer a large variety of educational benefits. Many hold annual conferences where the best and brightest in their respective fields gather to pool knowledge. Other than the membership dues to join the MIS associations, most of these conferences cost little or nothing to attend.

I recommend: The Computer Measurement Group is a worldwide organization of MIS and IT professionals. Their annual conference is a great way to become educated about the latest methods computer performance measurement. Being a member of their network also allows you access to their wealth of technical papers, written by and for IT professionals. The Association of Information Technology Professionals is meant for professionals, educators and students in the IT industry. Their annual conference is designed to supplement traditional IT education by its unique program design.

Join professional organizations, MIS or IT, to get discounts on certification training and courses

Keeping yourself up to date on the latest technologies and certifications is expensive. MIS organizations help defray that cost by offering pre-certification training, or discounts on certification exams or continuing education.

I recommend: The Computing Technology Industry Association is known as the world's largest developer of vendor-neutral IT certification exams. In addition, CompTIA sponsors a program called Creating Futures that provides free training, study guides and self-assessment qualifying individuals or businesses. Membership in the Society for Information Management (SIM) gains you access to the SIM Regional Leadership Forum, which provides industry specific training for future IT leaders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even in an economic downturn, there are opportunities for those who are willing to take risks. Starting your own business is a daunting task. Becoming a member of one of the many IT organizations out there will help you make contacts, benefit from the wisdom of others, and get discounts on your continuing education.

Are you an information systems professional looking for assistance, education or job opportunities? Management information systems organizations are collections of information systems professionals and students who want to advance their careers within the industry. These organizations provide literature, networking opportunities and more to educators and students. Before looking for a management information systems organization, review the management information systems organization key terms to help you find the organization that is right for you.

Action Steps
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CMG

The CMG, or Computer Measurement Group, is a management information systems (MIS) organization that is made of information technology (IT) professionals. CMP encourages members to ask for help and it also assists others that need help. CMP is a non-profit organization. Its main concern is the continued performance of existing systems.

I recommend: Visit the Computer Measurement Group website to learn more. TechTarget also provides information about the CMP.

AIS

The AIS, or Association for Information Systems, is an organization that focuses on the education of information systems (IS) professionals. The AIS publishes materials to assist educators and IS professionals in order to promote growth in their industry.

I recommend: The Association for Information Systems website provides information about publications and conferences.

IRMA

The IRMA, or Information Resources Management Association, connects researchers, students, teachers, users and policymakers to promote communication between the groups. IRMA has members in more than 50 countries, including the U.S.

I recommend: Discover more about policies and membership at the Information Resources Management Association website.

AITP

The AITP is the Association of Information Technology Professionals; an organization that focuses mainly on the careers of information systems professionals. The AITP is comprised of IS employees, employers, programmers and managers.

I recommend: Browse the Association of Information Technology Professionals website for complete information. Find an AITP chapter near you.

AMCIS

The AMCIS, or the Americas Conference on Information Systems, is a research conference for IS professionals. These conferences are held in different areas each year. Attendance grants you membership to the Association for Information Systems.

I recommend: The AMCIS supplies more information about their conferences. The AIS website also provides information about the AMCIS.

ICIS

The ICIS, or International Conference on Information Systems, is a worldwide conference for information systems professionals. These conferences allow professionals to network with each other and learn about the latest advances and research in the IS field.

I recommend: AIS World offers information about the ICIS locations and programs. Find complete details at the ICIS website.