Most high school and college students have been a part of spe- cial interest clubs and organiza- tions that center around a specific topic or activity. But were do you find a community with the people in your future profes- sion to learn and grow with? Jamie Flynn, CAE, IOM, Exec- utive Director at the Tennessee Society of Association Execu- tives shares the importance and advantages of becoming a mem- ber of a professional association once you begin your new career. As you utilize this incredible guide to learn about the many career paths across our state, you will also notice that there are as- sociations listed throughout these pages. Did you know that all of the professions listed in this guide have an organized group that works on behalf of the profession? These organized groups are associations. Associations have the pulse on their respec- tive industry and work to educate, connect and serve their members. Simply stated, an association is a gathering of individuals for a common purpose or cause. Many sections of this career guide are sponsored and written by associations and their members. No matter the career you choose, connecting with the professional association will be an incredibly valuable network for you. Identifying a community of peers and colleagues in your profession is an important way to entrench yourself in the market when you begin your career (and even before you start your career!). Furthermore, many of the professions re- quire ongoing continuing education throughout your career. You can often find these educational opportunities through the association. You may be thinking, where do I start? As you consider the careers included in this guide, I encourage you to take a moment and visit the professional association’s web- site. The websites may have industry arti- cles, resources and contact information that will help you as you pursue your degree. In many cases, you don’t have to wait until you have graduated and have your first job to be in contact with the professional asso- ciation. Many associations offer a student membership, include internship opportu- nities on their job boards and have re- sources available to help you gain more insight into the industry and the career op- portunities. This is an incredible way to connect with professionals in your identi- fied career path, and you never know, this could lead you to your first job! I want to also take a moment and highlight the association industry as a profession. As- sociation professionals are doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, public relations executives, contractors, lobbyists…just to name a few. These professionals find the opportunity to serve their profession in their association community incredibly rewarding. The as- sociation staff for a professional association may include CEOs, chief financial officers, communications directors, lobbyists, edu- cation directors, and event planners. The Tennessee Society of Association Ex- ecutives (TNSAE) is here to work alongside our associations across the state. TNSAE’s mission is to elevate and connect our asso- ciation community. TNSAE is devoted ex- clusively to the promotion, advancement and development of association profession- als and the organizations we serve across Tennessee. For more than 50 years, TNSAE has served as the resource to as- sociation professionals, providing career development opportunities, relevant re- sources, engaging networking opportuni- ties and to serve as the model association in Tennessee. The opportunities for you are endless! And, this guide is such a great resource for you as you learn of the many career paths here in Tennessee. If TNSAE can be of assistance to you as you identify your ca- reer, please contact [email protected]. We would be happy to help connect you with the professional association related to your selected career. Tennessee Career Guide | 2026 29 Feature Articles Feature Articles Article by Jamie Flynn, CAE, IOM, Executive Director at the Tennessee Society of Association Executives
