Management organizations education and training programs are a strategic way to maintain relevant work-related skills. Some professions require advanced fundamentals in the field before career advancement is a conceivable option. Management organizations can help professionals obtain these credentials. Traditional educational programs often train management professionals with broad-based methodology. Developing connections to a business management association and participating in organizations for management, can ultimately lead to acquiring industry specific knowledge.

The top management associations, offer educational training and certification programs to prepare members to meet the challenges of the profession with the right skills to succeed. However, manager networking organization requirements vary when it comes to the level of participation or number of years in the profession to sign-up for additional education and training opportunities. Consider the following information in the search to join professional organizations in management:

1. Research business management organizations that offer the specific credentials to advance in the profession.

2. View associations for managers with reputable education and training programs.

3. Consider membership in more than one professional business management organization.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a management organization for a specific industry need

Many professional management organizations and project management organizations are quick to respond to the need for employer recommendations for additional training. Educational resources available through organizations for management often schedule courses with flexible options for members to participate.

I recommend: Project Management Institute (PMI) provides its members with educational resources for career advancement, certification, the latest in research and news. American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) offers an eLearning program complete with web-based and virtual learning, a professional journal and mentors to guide new professionals.

Select professional associations for managers with innovative training programs

Many professional organizations in management recognize that many of its top leaders need a wide variety of options when it comes to education and training. Change is an inevitable part of the business world, whether shifting to global marketplace strategies, going green or information technology advances; organizations are offering members flexible and innovative options for training.

I recommend: Visit the American Management Association (AMA) to view a free demonstration of the management blended learning program that is administered in a choice of settings. Virtual Organization Management Institute (VOIM) is leading the change in virtual information management and offers training-the-trainer programs, certificate for associates and courses geared towards virtual organization management consultants.

Participate in a management organization training event

Plan to attend manager networking organization educational events to help in the decision making process before becoming a member. Contact the membership department and ask about events for new members or access the directory of current members in your local area for information about being a part of the organization.

I recommend: International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) has a host of educational and training events including an annual conference. International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) is a professional management association for non-profit, state, federal and local government employees at all levels with a variety of educational and development programs.

Organizations for management contribute to a search for new ideas to enhance management thinking and practices. Management organizations provide the opportunity for new learning environments and offers a network of knowledge that leads to better understanding of the latest developments in management. These associations are a group of professionals with experiences and expertise to share.

Professional management organizations offer members access to educational tools as well as industry news that they don’t get in their day-to-day profession and provides a context and environment that leads to professional networking. When considering a business management association:

1. Join project management organizations to network with your management peers.

2. Pay annual membership dues to belong to business management organizations.

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

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use organizations for management to network with other professionals and enhance your skills

Associations for managers range from local groups to international associations. All have one goal: to further project management industry. They offer members valuable resources and relationships.

I recommend: Association of Management/International Association of Management (AOM/IAOM) are sister organizations. They cover the academic world of debate and theory and the corporate world of decision, action and practicality. Members receive a journal of their choice, current publications, events and other networking opportunities. Register for upcoming conferences online. European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) is a business management organization with members from 75 countries. EFMD is a forum for research, information, debate and networking. Sign up for upcoming workshops online.

Pay annual dues to belong to professional management organizations

Management organizations' dues vary depending on the group and your membership level.

I recommend: International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is a business management association that develops and fosters professional local government management worldwide. Members include administrators, chief appointed managers and assistants in municipalities around the world. Apply online for membership. Join Institute of Management Consultants, Inc. (IMC) if you are an individual management consultant. You can become a professional member, affiliate member or student member, depending on your place in the profession. Dues will range depending on the month you join and category you choose.

Benefit both professionally and personally by joining business management organizations

Membership benefits to management organizations include job centers, resources, salary information and discussion forums. Most managers organizations hold annual conferences, too.

I recommend: Institute of Management and Administration (IOMA) provides members with research reports, newsletters, seminars, conferences, certification, training and advisory services. IOMA strives to provide expertise focused on the detailed, practical, management information professionals need in decision-making. Register for IOMA conferences and professional development online. American Management Association (AMA) offers corporate membership, small business membership, knowledge network membership, individual membership and participating membership, with a number of webcasts and podcasts to enhance your professional growth. Sign up for Access Pass to view webcasts, podcasts, research reports and the online library for free.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Review professional organizations in management websites in detail. There are many hidden opportunities that will help further your career.

Professional management organizations provide executives and managers working in the profession with a host of resources on the latest strategies, global trends and educational research in the industry. There are organizations for every type of business, whether the company is international, corporate, non-profit, or federal. In addition, organizations can serve career, professional or personal development. When researching management organizations, it is best to understand a few terms before making a decision.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Association of Management/International Association of Management (AOM/IAOM)

The membership of the Association of Management/International Association of Management (AOM/IAOM) is comprised of academic experts and leading executives practicing at various levels of organizational management. The aim of the Association is to provide the latest in management, leadership, education and technology. The AOM/IAOM holds annual conferences, sponsors two academic journals, and recommends professional publications and educational programs for its membership.

I recommend: Visit the AOM/IAOM to review the services and programs available to management professionals interested in joining the organization.

Institute of Management and Administration (IOMA)

The Institute of Management and Administration (IOMA) caters to a wide range of professions from corporate financial management, design and construction firm management to supply chain management, human resources, law and accounting. The IOMA provides conferences and professional development training that increases the productivity of organizational administration and services.

I recommend: Visit the IOMA to view the flexible management organization training options and information about becoming a member.

International City/County Management Association (ICMA)

Operating at the level of local government, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is a non-profit management organization that advocates for the development of professional management in cities and counties. ICMA offers training in ethics, strategic planning and operational transparency in the local government community.

I recommend: Visit ICMA's homepage to gather information about membership services and programs.

Project Management Institute (PMI)

The Project Management Institute (PMI) serves the global community with publications, career development and marketplace solutions for professionals and executives in project management. The Institute is committed to implementing a worldwide approach to management practices, advocacy and research.

I recommend: View the range of membership resources available at the PMI website.

American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) offers management organization educational opportunities through programs, events, publications, research, advocacy and outreach. ASAE's organizational goal is to enhance the process of career and professional development through learning leadership skills.

I recommend: ASAE offers individual and corporate membership, providing leadership, career and professional development services.

American Management Association (AMA)

The American Management Association (AMA) is a professional organization that offers top level executives and management staff the latest in organizational leadership strategies and innovative training, as well as resources to advance professional and personal development. AMA specializes in government and corporate business solutions, books and publications.

I recommend: The AMA provides management organization seminars, certification programs and self-paced study materials for professionals in the field.