Professional Memberships on Resume

Should You List Professional Memberships on Resume

Listing professional memberships on your resume can be beneficial, especially in certain industries and regions. In the United States, it's common for resumes to include such information, as it demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning, networking, and industry standards. However, in some countries, like Germany or Japan, where CVs focus more on academic backgrounds, professional memberships may not be as prevalent.

Why to List Professional Memberships on Resume

• Demonstrate Professionalism: Membership in a recognized professional organization shows that you are committed to staying current with industry trends and best practices. It signifies your dedication to maintaining high standards of competency and ethical conduct.
• Networking Opportunities: Being a member often grants access to networking events, webinars, and forums where you can connect with other professionals in your field. This can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, or advice from experts.
• Continuing Education: Many organizations offer discounted rates for courses, conferences, and certifications. These opportunities help you expand your skillset, which can make you more attractive to potential employers.
• Recognition: Some organizations have award programs that honor members who excel in their fields. Winning such awards can enhance your professional reputation and credibility.
• Advocacy: Professional memberships often include lobbying efforts on behalf of their members, which can lead to policy changes that benefit your career or industry.

Where to List Professional Memberships on Resume

• Professional Summary/Objective: If your membership is particularly relevant to the position you're applying for, it can be included in this section to emphasize your commitment and expertise.
• Work Experience: If your membership is related to a specific role or project, it may be appropriate to list it under the corresponding job description.
• Skills Section: If space allows, listing professional memberships alongside relevant skills helps to highlight your competence in that area.
• Education Section: In some cases, you might have joined a professional organization as part of your degree program or for alumni benefits. In such instances, it can be included under Education.
• Resume Conclusion (e.g., Certifications, Honors, etc.): If the above sections are already full, you can list your professional memberships in this section to ensure they're still visible to potential employers.

Examples of How to List Professional Memberships on Resume

Example 1 - Professional Summary

Professional Software Engineer with over 5 years of experience in developing scalable web applications. Active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and attend regular local chapter meetings to network with peers and stay abreast of industry trends.

Example 2 - Work Experience

Software Engineer at XYZ Corporation | June 2018 – Present

• Member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), attending conferences and participating in online discussions to stay updated on emerging technologies.

Example 3 - Skills Section

Skills:

• Proficient in Java, Python, C++
• Active member of International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG)
• Agile methodologies, Scrum framework, and Kanban

What to Avoid While Listing Professional Memberships on Resume

• Listing Outdated Memberships: Only include current or recently expired memberships that demonstrate your ongoing commitment to the profession.
• Incorrect Membership Details: Make sure you list accurate information about your membership status, level of involvement, and any achievements earned through the organization.
• Irrelevant Memberships: If a membership doesn't relate to the job you're applying for, it's best to leave it off or only mention it if asked directly during an interview.
• Overuse of Acronyms: Be mindful of acronyms and make sure they are widely recognized in your target industry. If not, spell out the full name on first mention followed by the acronym in parentheses.
• Lack of Specificity: Provide details about your involvement with the organization to demonstrate your level of commitment and potential value to a future employer.

How to List Alumni Associations on Resume

Listing alumni associations on a resume can demonstrate your involvement in professional networks, potential leadership skills, and ongoing commitment to personal growth. Here are some best practices:

• Highlight Relevant Activities: Mention any activities or projects within the alumni association that align with the job you're applying for. For instance, if you're a marketing professional, mention if you organized an alumni event focusing on marketing trends or strategies.

• Active member of [University Alumni Association], where I spearheaded marketing-focused events to connect and learn from fellow alumni in the field.

• Specify Duration and Position: Include the duration of your involvement (e.g., "Current Member") and any specific position you held within the association, if applicable. This helps provide context about your level of commitment.

• Current Member and Event Coordinator at [University Alumni Association] since 2018.

• Emphasize Achievements: Quantify your contributions to the alumni association if possible, such as number of events organized, attendees reached, or funds raised. This can help illustrate your impact and organizational skills.

• Organized four annual alumni networking events in the past two years, averaging 75 attendees per event.

• Mention Professional Memberships: If your alumni association offers professional development opportunities or access to exclusive resources, include this information under the "Professional Development" or "Professional Memberships" section of your resume.

• Member of [University Alumni Association], providing access to industry webinars and networking events enhancing professional growth in the field.

• Tailor Your Resume: Only include alumni association memberships that are relevant to the job you're applying for, as this can help make your resume more concise and targeted.

Example 1: Alumni Associations on Professional Memberships Resume

In a marketing position application, the candidate might list their involvement in an alumni association as follows:

Professional Development & Memberships

• Current Member and Event Coordinator at [University Alumni Association] since 2018. Organized four annual alumni networking events in the past two years, averaging 75 attendees per event, providing valuable networking opportunities for fellow marketing professionals.

Example 2: Alumni Associations in Professional Memberships Context

In a finance role application, the candidate could highlight their alumni association activities as follows:

Professional Development & Memberships

• Member of [University Alumni Association], where I participate in finance-focused webinars and networking events to stay up-to-date on industry trends and insights.

By following these best practices, you can effectively list your alumni association involvement on a resume and highlight its relevance to the professional memberships section or other relevant sections of your document.

How to List Certification Bodies on Resume

Listing your Certification Bodies on a resume can provide valuable insights about your professional competencies and dedication to your field. Here are some best practices:

1. Highlight Relevance

Include only those Certification Bodies that are directly relevant to the job you're applying for. This demonstrates your specialized knowledge and expertise in the industry. For example, if you're applying for a role in IT project management, mentioning your Project Management Professional (PMP) certification would be pertinent.

Example 1: Certification Bodies on Professional Memberships Resume

• Certification: PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
• Context: As a Project Manager with a focus on Agile methodologies, listing these certifications underlines my commitment to adapting to evolving project demands.

2. Mention Memberships

If the Certification Body offers professional memberships in addition to certifications, consider mentioning both. This indicates your ongoing engagement with the organization and desire to stay updated on industry best practices.

Example 2: Certification Bodies in Professional Memberships Context

• Certification: IEEE Senior Member
• Professional Membership: Active member of IEEE Electron Devices Society, contributing to technical committees and publishing research papers
• Context: This combination demonstrates my standing as a leader in the electronics engineering field while showcasing my active participation and contributions to the industry.

3. Organize Chronologically

List your Certification Bodies in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first. This provides a clear timeline of your professional growth and commitment to ongoing learning.

4. Include Key Details

Include important details such as the name of the certification body, the type of certification (e.g., Professional Engineer, Certified Public Accountant), the year you were certified, and any renewal dates if applicable.

Example 3: Detailed Listing of Certification Bodies

• Certification: ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Year Obtained: 2018
• Renewal Date: 2023
• Context: This certification demonstrates my specialized knowledge in information systems auditing, control, and security, making me an ideal candidate for roles in IT governance.

5. Proofread Carefully

Ensure that your Certification Bodies section is free of errors to maintain a polished and professional appearance. Check the names of certification bodies, your certifications, and any associated dates for accuracy.

How to List Technical Societies on Resume

Best Practices for Listing 'Technical Societies' under 'Professional Memberships'

• Highlight Relevance: Only include societies directly related to your field of expertise or the job you are applying for. This demonstrates your commitment and involvement in staying updated with industry trends and advancements.

  Example: If you are an Electrical Engineer, listing memberships in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) can be highly relevant to a job in engineering.

• Provide Context: Briefly describe the society, its purpose, and how it benefits your profession. This gives recruiters insight into your professional network and interests.

  Example: "Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - A leading global organization dedicated to advancing technology in electrical engineering, electronics, and related fields."

• Mention Key Activities: If you hold leadership roles or have participated in significant projects within these societies, make sure to highlight them. This showcases your skills, achievements, and ability to work collaboratively.

  Example: "Served as the Secretary for the IEEE Student Branch at XYZ University, organizing technical workshops and seminars."

• List in Chronological Order: Arrange your professional memberships in reverse chronological order, emphasizing current or recent memberships first. This provides a clear timeline of your involvement with these societies.

• Use Consistent Formatting: Ensure consistent formatting for all items under 'Professional Memberships', including the use of bullet points and standard font size and style.

Example 1: Technical Societies on Professional Memberships Resume

• Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
  • A leading global organization dedicated to advancing technology in electrical engineering, electronics, and related fields.
  • Served as the Secretary for the IEEE Student Branch at XYZ University, organizing technical workshops and seminars.
  • Currently participating in the development of standards and guidelines for power systems engineering.

Example 2: Technical Societies in Professional Memberships Context

• Member, National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
  • An organization dedicated to promoting the ethical practice of engineering across the United States.
  • Attended annual conferences focused on ethics and professional development.
  • Participated in local chapter events aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among engineers.

How to List Professional Associations on Resume

Listing professional associations on your resume can demonstrate your commitment to your field and your professional development. Here are some best practices for presenting this subcategory:

• Highlight Relevant Associations: Include only those associations that are directly related to the job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a role in accounting, listing memberships in accounting-related organizations would be more beneficial than generic business associations.

  Example 1:

Relevant Professional Associations

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA): Member since 2015, actively participating in local chapter events and webinars to stay updated with industry trends.

• Mention Duration of Membership: If you've been a member for an extended period or hold a leadership position, make sure to include that information. This can showcase your dedication and involvement within the organization.

  Example 2:

Relevant Professional Associations

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE): Senior Member since 2013, currently serving as the Secretary for the Local IEEE Chapter.

• List Achievements: If you've received any awards or certifications from these associations, be sure to include them in your resume. This can help distinguish you from other candidates.

• Keep it Brief: While providing details is important, make sure to keep the description concise and relevant. Aim for 2-3 lines per association to maintain readability.

• Consistent Formatting: Ensure that all associations are listed in a consistent manner to make the section easy to scan. Use bullet points, consistent punctuation, and keep sentences short and impactful.

Note: It's essential to consider whether the specific professional association is well-known or not. If it's less known, providing some context about the organization and its purpose can be helpful for recruiters who are unfamiliar with it.

How to List Industry-specific Organizations on Resume

Best Practices

• Relevance: Include only organizations that are directly related to your target industry or profession. This demonstrates your commitment and involvement in the field.

• For example: If you're applying for a role in environmental consulting, list memberships with organizations like the Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC) or the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP).

• Role and Contribution: Clearly state your role within the organization and any notable achievements or contributions. This provides context and quantifies your impact.

• For example: If you're a project manager, you could mention that you served as the Chapter Chair for Project Management Institute (PMI) and spearheaded the successful execution of several professional development events.

• Date Range: Include the date range of your membership to provide context on the length and consistency of your involvement.

• For example: "Member, Project Management Institute (PMI), 2015-present"

• Professional Development Opportunities: Highlight any professional development opportunities you've taken advantage of through the organization. This shows your commitment to ongoing learning and growth within the field.

• For example: If you're a software engineer, mention that you've attended multiple conferences hosted by the IEEE Computer Society to stay current with industry trends.

• Location: If applicable, specify the location of the organization or the chapter to which you belong. This can help demonstrate your local connections and network within the target geography.

• For example: "Member, International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) - Midwest Chapter"

Example 1: Industry-specific Organizations on Professional Memberships Resume

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

• Member, ACM, 2015-present
• Served as the Student Chapter Chair at XYZ University, where I organized workshops and coding competitions.
• Attended the ACM Annual Conference on Computer Systems (SIGCSE) in 2018 to present a research paper.

Example 2: Industry-specific Organizations in Professional Memberships Context

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)

• Member, NCARB, 2016-present
• Completed the NCARB Intern Development Program (IDP) and am eligible for licensure as an architect in several states.
• Active participant in the NCARB online forum, where I share best practices with fellow architecture interns.