Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange, and Development, Second Edition

Chapter 6: Professional Associations

115 CHAPTER 6 ProfessionalAssociations Introduction Becoming active in one or more professional associations will lead you to critically important avenues for networking and information­ gathering—two fundamental aspects of your job search. Professional associations (most of which have annual conferences), events, publications , and websites keep you abreast of what is happening in your specific areas of interest, who the leaders are, and where new jobs may be found. Many association websites contain information on training opportunities, as well as job banks, resume boards, and other employment -related services. Membership in associations also demonstrates to potential employers a serious commitment to your career development. Most professional associations have membership opportunities available for students, often at reduced rates. Many allow job seekers to volunteer at conferences or regional meetings in exchange for waived registration fees. These conferences and other assemblies provide opportunities to pre­ sent papers, participate in discussions, and raise questions. This is an ideal way to hone your communication skills, gain and share expertise , and interact with colleagues who share your specific professional interests. In addition, the association field is the third-largest employer in the Washington, DC, area, after the federal government and the tourism industry. Associations not only offer career and job resources, they are also possible places of employment. In this chapter you will find a selected list of professional associations with a focus on international exchange, education, or development, 116 Selected Resources and Profiles or a related field. A brief description of each association is followed by its membership categories (with costs, when available). This list is followed by additional resources that provide more information on associations, enabling you to research more broadly or find a specific professional association not listed here. Sample Professional Associations Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) Campus Box 90404, Duke University Durham, NC 27708 Telephone: 919-668-1928 Website: www.aieaworld.org Founded in 1982, AIEA’s mission is to promote and improve international education administration. It provides opportunities for its members “to join forces, exchange ideas, share institutional strategies, and provide an effective voice on matters of public policy” through dialogues, workshops, scholarly journals, and a membership directory. AIEA holds an annual conference that attracts leaders from around the world to discuss current trends, challenges, and the future of international education. Membership: • Academic Institutional Membership ($400 per year) • Other Organizations Supporting International Education Membership ($400 per year) • Individual Membership: for individuals at colleges and universities with current institutional membership in AIEA ($100 per year) • Unaffiliated Individuals ($400 per year) AIESEC (International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences) 11 Hanover Square, Suite 1700 New York, NY 10005 Telephone: 212-757-3774 Website: www.aiesecus.org Twitter: @AIESEC Professional Associations 117 Since its founding in 1948, AIESEC has grown into the world’s largest student-based organization, with chapters in more than 113 countries and on 2,400 university campuses. The mission of AIESEC—a French acronym that stands for l’Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales, the International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences—is to contribute to the development of countries and their people with a strong commitment to furthering international understanding and cooperation . AIESEC works to “develop individuals, communities, and cooperation through global exchange” by facilitating work exchanges among its member countries. AIESEC provides opportunities for students to gain professional and cultural experience and access a global network through events and activities hosted by local chapters and workexchange programs such as the International Traineeship Exchange Program. Membership: • Student Membership: available through a local sponsoring university —AIESEC’s website lists sponsoring universities Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20036 Telephone: 202-293-6141 Website: www.alliance-exchange.org Twitter: @AllianceExchnge The Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to formulating and promoting public policies that support the growth and well-being of international exchange links between the people of the United States and other nations. Representing US-based exchange organizations, the Alliance acts as the leading policy voice for the US exchange community. The organization sponsors two annual advocacy days for its members on Capitol Hill to lobby for sound policies and more resources for federally funded international exchange programs. It also coordinates ongoing advocacy activities at the state and local levels. The Alliance compiles the International Exchange Locator, which contains entries for more than 300...