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Professional Bodies and Why to Join Them

Posted on 24 July 2018 by Rebecca Dunne

Professional bodies are organisations which act on behalf of the interests of those working within a particular industry or speciality and the public interest. The aim of these organisations is to maintain control and standards of the profession. These bodies often run certification programmes to further improve and update the skills of practitioners.

Becoming a member of a professional body can have many benefits, such as:

  • Networking can become easier and more applicable through industry relevant events held by the organisation and attended by your peers.
  • Upskilling can become more affordable through workshops and courses available to members at a reduced cost.
  • Access to resources and guidance.
  • Access to industry insights that may otherwise be tricky to source.
  • New employers will recognise membership as a commitment to your career and to the highest standards of your profession.

Here are some of the professional bodies and institutes you can join in Ireland:

For PR & Marketing Professionals -

The Marketing Institute of Ireland (MMI) offers training and education programmes and promise to “open the gateway to Ireland’s professional marketing community”.

There are different levels of membership starting with the Personal Membership which requires an approved marketing or business degree and 2+ years' professional experience in Marketing or 5+ years' professional experience in marketing management. Learn more about becoming a member.

The Public Relations Institute Ireland (PRII) promote the professional practice of public relations and communications in Ireland. Their members are members are Public Relations and Communications professionals from a broad range of backgrounds and roles and working in consultancies, industry, government, semi-state, voluntary and business organisations. The PRII hold more than 20 events a year from the full-day Annual Conference to half-day conferences on specific themes, breakfast and lunchtime briefings, roundtables and evening events. Learn more about becoming a member.

For Technology Professionals -

The Irish Computer Society advances and promotes as well as represents the interests of ICT professionals in Ireland. Members have resources for professional development, a network of contacts in the ICT sector, Europe-wide professional recognition and guidance on professional standards. Learn more about becoming a member.

The Institute of Designers in Ireland is the largest and oldest association of design professionals and longest established creative forum in Ireland. IDI is committed to advancing the value and impact of design - inspiring, supporting and learning from one another along the way. The IDI represents and supports creativity within a wide range of disciplines across a wide spectrum of design. Learn more about becoming a member.
Since 1990 the Institute of Project Management has been committed to promoting education, certification and member services in project management. During this period, the discipline has become widely used throughout the entire economy. The demand for project management education and internationally recognised certification continues to out-perform other professional development sectors. The institute’s philosophy has always been to ensure that they are up-to-date with the very best thinking and practice in project management worldwide by investing heavily in direct involvement with the international project management community. Learn more about becoming a member.

For Retail Professionals -

Retail Ireland is the representative body for retail professionals in Ireland. Membership of Retail Ireland also means membership of Ibec. Ibec represents Irish business and industry; homegrown, multinational, big, medium and small, spanning every sector of the economy. Membership of Retail Ireland and Ibec enables you to be better informed, better represented and better prepared to meet the challenges of doing business as a retailer in Ireland and to seize the opportunities for growth and development. Learn more about becoming a member.

For Construction Professionals -

Among the professional bodies available to individuals working in Ireland’s construction industry is the Institute of Industrial Engineers, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.

The Institute of Industrial Engineers (Ireland) is the professional, as well as qualifying, body for those involved in industrial engineering. On being accepted as a member of the Institute you can also choose to become a member of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers, where you can gain access to the means of advancing your career and networking with thousands of American members of the Institute. You will also have the opportunity to continually update your knowledge and expertise through our many membership services. Learn more about becoming a member.

IOSH is the world’s leading professional body for people responsible for safety and health in the workplace. The IOSH boasts a membership of more than 46,000 members and is a focal point for health and safety professionals working in a diverse range of organisations. Learn more about becoming a member.

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) is the centre for architectural leadership, information and advice in Ireland. Architects and Architectural Technologists joining the RIAI can avail of a wide range of services and supports which will enable them to practice architecture to the highest standards, keep in touch with changes in design and legislation, and become involved in the promotion of architecture through the RIAI’s many activities. The RIAI is the voice for architecture in Ireland and is a catalyst for new ideas and initiatives that help both architects and the public by encouraging engagement on architectural issues through education, events, awards, media statements and campaigns. Learn more about becoming a member.

The Irish Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence through education, training, representation, and the provision of guidelines and professional services to its members. Its aim is to promote excellence in all aspects of purchasing and supply chain management. IIPMM is the Procurement and Supply Management Institute. The term procurement is taken to embrace purchasing, materials management, logistics, supply chain management and strategic sourcing. Learn more about becoming a member.

For HR Professionals -

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the professional body for HR and people development. With more than 145,000 members worldwide, the CIPD offer memberships for career starters, experienced HR and Learning and Development professionals as well as a bank of resources to help all levels. Learn more about becoming a member.

For Finance & Accounting Professionals –

As a member of the Institute of Bankers, you are part of a professional community that has over 34,000 members. Founded in 1898, the Institute is Ireland’s largest professional institute. It is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the life-long education and professional development of its members. The Institute hosts a variety of events, some of which are free, giving you the opportunity to network and create valuable relationships within the community. Learn more about becoming a member.

LIA is the professional education and development association for those who work in all areas of the Financial Services industry. LIA assists its members in attaining professional qualifications, retaining their designations and Developing themselves personally and professionally. Learn more about becoming a member.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is the global body for professional accountants as well as a qualification awarding body. The ACCA offers members professional insights and technical resources and organises networking events, CPD courses, seminars and sometimes annual conferences. Events are great opportunities to get involved with ACCA and network with like-minded finance professionals. Learn more about becoming a member.

Accounting Technicians Ireland is a professional body for accounting technicians, and they also provide an internationally recognised business qualification. They represent over 10,000 people working in the profession in Ireland and aim to support them throughout their careers and provide the resources and guidance necessary for an individual to advance in the accounting profession. Learn more about becoming a member.
Chartered Accountants Ireland is a membership body with 26,000 members work in senior positions in practice and industry. Among their member services, you will find a careers advisory service, online courses, offers and discounts, special interest groups and a Young Professionals programme. Learn more about becoming a member.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a prestige group that would help you develop an elite set of skills in being a management accountant. Having the largest group of management accountants, CIMA offers a global network of the most successful Management Accountants. CIMA possesses a great number of outstanding qualifications that you would certainly benefit from. Learn more about how to become a member.

For Business Support Professionals -

The Association of Professional Administrators in Ireland (APAI) host training, development, social and networking events, helping you to meet fellow Administrators, PAs/EA/Office Managers and better understand your business community. The APAI recognise excellence, set standards and provide educational, networking and professional development opportunities for those pursuing careers in the office administration field. Learn more about how to become a member.

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