Careers: Find an Association

Professional associations can be very helpful in learning more about an industry or profession.  Although full access if often reserved for paid members, associations often provide information to the public in the form of summary reports press releases.  Examples of professional associations include Advertising Professionals of Los Angeles, the American Society of Cinematographers, the American Medical Association and the California Solar Energy Industries Association to name just a few.

Follow the steps below to locate a professional association. 

1.  Go to the Business Insights Global database

2.  Click the "Advanced Search" link

3.  Go to the dropdown list for "Content Area" and select "Associations"

4.  Enter your search terms based on the choices provided in the three dropdown lists.  Try searching for a word that is found in the industry description or in the name of the association.  Also, you may wish to specify "USA" in "Country" field or you will be searching for international associations as well.  Try different combinations of search terms and keywords to find the association you need. 

To locate professional associations and other types of organizations, you can also search the Gale Directory Library available through the USC Libraries E-Resources.  This database contains the Encyclopedias of Associations (under "Organizations") as well as other reference works.