Joining professional organizations

By Damon Francis -- Purchasing, 11/2/2000

The real learning that most of us did in college came from outside the classroom, through extracurriculars, internships and socializing. The purchasing workplace operates in a similar way. Joining a professional organization will not only help you make career connections, but also will improve your skill set on the job.

Industry organizations offer their members exclusive professional-development benefits. For example, they compile job listings, host social events and educational seminars, keep their members up to date on important industry trends, and even distribute prestigious awards. More important, though, these groups allow professionals the opportunity to network with others in their field. In the purchasing industry, membership in a professional organization can even make a distinctive addition to your resume.

The National Association of Purchasing Management Inc. (napm) is a respected professional organization in the United States. napm is a communication link with more than 47,000 purchasing and supply management professionals. With specific focus on education, research and standards of excellence, the napm provides opportunities for expansion of professional skills and knowledge. A not-for-profit- association, napm offers a wide range of educational products and programs.

Some reasons to join napm are:

Affiliates: gain valuable contacts within your community during monthly meetings and educational functions. Keep on top of local industry changes and commodity trends. Be a part of a growing association run by and for purchasing and materials management professionals.

C.P.M. and A.P.P. programs: napm offers two professional designations. The Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.) program is for entry-level buyers primarily engaged in the tactical or operational side of purchasing/materials management. It is also available to those outside of an organization's purchasing/materials management department with definite procurement (supply chain management) responsibilities. The Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) program focuses on the managerial, administrative and strategic, as well as tactical aspects of the purchasing and materials management function. Both programs are designed for those working in any of the major private, public or non-profit work sectors. Both programs are administered by napm and members receive discounts on exams and study materials.

Committees: work on planning and management skills while developing your leadership potential. Some committee members report on economic conditions, direct napm's annual conference, set membership goals, and assist in program development.

Special-interest groups and forums: gain a deeper understanding of your purchasing specialty and develop valuable connections across the country. napm has groups in interest areas ranging from materials management to health-care providers, to federal acquisitions.

Center for advanced purchasing studies (caps): napm members receive purchasing-related research studies and benchmarks free from caps, a national research center in purchasing and materials management. caps sponsors three international roundtables throughout the year in North America, Europe and Asia. Participants include more than one hundred Fortune 500 companies.

Seminar discounts: over 90 seminars are conducted annually throughout the United States; intensive one-week purchasing management programs are also conducted at selected universities.

Professional development re-sources: over 80 different audio/video programs and over 50 different books to choose from. All programs are designed to heighten your acumen in a variety of subjects, including global sourcing, negotiations, legal issues and supply management. Videotapes are easily adaptable to individual or group presentations. Publications include: textbooks, workbooks, the technotes series, with subject matter covering purchasing topics plus general business information.

Annual International Purchasing Conference: network with 2,000 peers at an international conference devoted exclusively to purchasing and supply management. Examine emerging trends and challenges during comprehensive workshops conducted by your peers. The conference attracts distinguished speakers to discuss current national and international issues and features several sessions highlighted by prominent corporate leaders.

Recognition and awards: earn recognition when you are rewarded for exemplary service to napm and the profession at large. Awards are given to napm members for outstanding public relations, professional development, membership activities and international activities.

Anyone involved in the purchasing process, including without limitation, purchasing, purchasing research, value analysis, inventory control, materials management, supply chain management, or any other activity or function which is related to the purchasing or materials process can join napm. Typically, membership in professional organizations is easy to establish and the connections made in such organizations can be invaluable.