How do you use associations to advance your professional education?

1 Benefits of associations

Associations are organizations that bring together professionals who share a common interest, goal, or field of practice, offering various services and opportunities to their members. These include education in the form of courses, webinars, workshops, certifications, and publications to update their knowledge and skills. Networking is also facilitated through events, forums, directories, and referrals, allowing members to meet potential clients, partners, mentors, and employers. Associations also advocate for their members and the industry as a whole by lobbying for favorable policies and regulations, raising awareness and recognition, and promoting ethical and professional standards. Furthermore, they provide access to exclusive information and resources such as market data, research reports, legal advice, templates, and discounts.

2 Types of associations

There are many associations that cater to different aspects of commercial leasing. For instance, some focus on specific types of commercial properties, such as office, retail, industrial, or multifamily. Examples include the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), and the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC). Others target specific roles or functions within commercial leasing, such as brokers, managers, owners, or developers. Examples include the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP). Additionally, some associations operate at a local, regional, national, or international level depending on their scope and scale of activities and members. Examples include the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network, the European Property Federation (EPF), and the Asian Pacific Real Estate Association (APREA).

3 How to use associations

To get the most out of your association membership, you need to be proactive and engaged. Research different associations based on your goals, needs, and preferences. Attend events, volunteer to join or lead committees, and take advantage of the resources offered by your association. Additionally, share your opinions and feedback with your association. These steps will help you develop your leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, as well as increase your visibility and influence. Furthermore, you will stay informed on the latest trends and best practices in your industry.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?