ABSTRACT
Professionals have different motivations for belonging to associations. Carpenter and Nuss identified some of the common reasons individuals belong to associations. They desire to enhance administrative skills, gain new perspectives, develop leadership skills, develop collegial relationships, grow professionally, and influence the profession. Others suggest that involvement in professional associations can help advance careers. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the new professional with a brief overview of the historical development of professional associations in the field of student affairs and to illustrate how they serve as an important tool in the socialization process. After a brief review of the development of professional associations, how these organizations help with the transition to the field of student affairs is discussed. Finally, the chapter concludes with several specific suggestions on how professional associations might improve their services to their members.
