A professional membership is important and it’s all about the people and resources that will help advance your manufacturing career.

As a manufacturer, your business is ever changing. From the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence, to the manufacturing of composite materials, or the adoption of new technologies like additive manufacturing, shifts within the industry come at organizations fast and often. Adjustments to meet these changes are important for any organization to stay competitive.

This is where a professional association like SME enters the picture. The value of associations boils down to two things: people and resources.

The resources you have access to at a professional association such as SME are vast. Having all these resources in one place makes it easier for you to succeed. One example comes by way of the partnerships in which SME continues to build. SME and Women in Manufacturing (WiM), announced a reciprocal student membership program. The reciprocal memberships allow students pursuing education in manufacturing-related fields to become student members of both associations, with access to the resources and network of both. The need for organizations to fill vacant skilled trade positions is prevalent across industries, and there is room for young people, minorities, and women in manufacturing to fill these roles. An alliance such as SME and WiM, gives individuals pursuing a career in manufacturing the opportunities to earn certifications, apply for scholarships, receive up-to-date industry related articles, and participate in innovative events and programming.

Joining a professional organization is a perfect way for individuals find a community and network with the people in their industry. Whether it’s seeking solutions to similar problems, discussing comparable obstacles, or talking about collaborative projects, associations are where industry professionals convene. Amy Elliott, 3D Printing Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been an SME member since 2017. She celebrates professional memberships and reiterates, “As a scientist I research lots of different manufacturing processes, but I don’t always have connections to industry that I’d like to have, and that’s where SME comes in. Any kind of industry you can think of have members of SME.”

Brett Peters, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee has been a member of SME since 1994. When asked about the value of his professional membership he explained, “SME gives you access to the people and resources that can help you solve difficult challenges.” His involvement with SME over the years has allowed him to build personal connections that continue to be beneficial for his career today, “Getting engaged, being a volunteer and building out that network is something you’ll find very valuable.”

Ultimately, the benefits you receive from a professional membership has a lot to do with what you put into it. The more you’re engaged with your local chapter or volunteer your time, the greater the reward. An association is only as strong as the number of active members involved. In this case, participation and diversity in members is key. More members mean a broader scope of industries, technologies, and people represented, therefore providing connections and insight into a multitude of manufacturing topics and issues. A professional membership is important and it’s all about the people and resources that will help propel you throughout your career.