With the growing field of security there are professional associations too numerous to list. How does one pick an association? What criteria are there? What is more important, networking potential or prestige?
1. Industry wide recognition - this is number one for me. As a member of ASIS International (formerly the American Society for Industrial Security), potential clients, partners, and media organizations can easily acertain that I am a security professional.
2. Networking opportunities - so many doors will open for potential business by belonging to a professional association. Seminars, luncheons, tradeshows - this is where business is done. You maybe a private investigator and meet a security integrator who might have a client who suspects fraud at the workplace and Yahtzee you have a lead and a reference. The larger associations will often have local chapters where you can become a member and be active in regional events that cater to security professionals.
3. Training opportunities - An organization like ASIS, offers training and educational seminars covering every field of the security industry - facility security design, executive protection, gaming/healthcare security focus, etc. The seminars aren't cheap but the networking opportunities and instruction are worth it.
4. Cost. This is something to be considered if you are an independent contractor, an in house employee, or an employee of a security services firm. See if your company will pay for membership. I believe ASIS costs $150 per year, BOMA - the Building Owners and Managers Association costs in the neighborhood of $1500 per year depending on what type of membership plan you or your organization qualify under.
Skill Specific Associations
Some associations are specific to certain skills or are driven by the phenomenon of what security is protecting against. Examples are American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) to name a few.
There are other associations which spring out of for profit companies such as the Nine Lives Association which is offered to graduates of the Protection Professional Specialist course offered by The Executive Protection Institute.
Choose carefully but get involved.
