Trade Organizations and Professional Societies

Trade organizations, consortia and professional societies develop and provide standards, information, and training to improve and/or promote professionals in a particular industry. They also provide forums and opportunities for members to network, collaborate, and share information.

Trade organizations are often founded by corporations that work in a specific industry. They promote their industry through public relations, consumer outreach, education, and organizing efforts. Engineering trade organizations also engage in these practices along with initiatives to improve standards and practices in their fields. Standardization is particularly important to engineering trade organizations, where consensus can bring benefits to the marketplace or environment.

Professional societies are composed of practicing professionals in a particular field, such as engineering, architecture, or communication. One of the largest professional engineering societies, The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), has members from all engineering disciplines. The NSPE promotes the professional image of engineers and provides a resource for information on ethical practice, licensure, and worker safety. Professional societies usually offer members career advancement and continuing education, provide discounts on insurance or other services, and provide support for advocacy and legislation.

Other trade organizations or professional societies serve particular disciplines or populations. These include the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE); the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), which serves computer scientists; the American Institute of Chemical Engineers; the American Society of Civil Engineers; the Association of Energy Engineers; the Illuminating Engineering Society of North American (IESNA), which serves lighting designers and researchers; The Society of Women Engineers; the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which provides a clearinghouse of information on standards and practices in all engineering disciplines; and the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE). Many professional societies also maintain chapters at colleges and universities, to support student engineers early in their careers.

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