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Computerworld - Like many professionals, we're always looking to build our professional networks, garner career advice and uncover new industry resources. One way to further these goals is through becoming a member of a professional organization.
Some associations have membership counts in the thousands, and it can be difficult to navigate such a vast crowd. The size of the group also affects how successful you can be in making meaningful contact at an event.
Getting the most out of any professional association membership is like anything else in life -- you're going to get out of it as much as you put into it. Fortunately, there are four easy steps that you can follow to ensure that each of your association memberships is a success.

Step 1: Establish objectives
Really think about what you're trying to get out of this membership. Why are you thinking about joining an association? The following are a few questions to consider:

• What are you hoping to accomplish?


• Is this about furthering your career? Is this about growing your business?


• Is it a social objective, or is it truly a professional objective?

Mary Ann Wagner is chairman and Marguerete Luter is adviser to Alexandria, Va.-based Women in Technology's Mentor-Protege Program. Women in Technology is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to offering women involved in all levels of the technology industry a wide range of professional development and networking opportunities. Wagner is president and founder of XIO Strategies and Luter is vice president of Global Bid Management at Unisys Corp. Contact Wagner at mwagner@xiostrategies.com and Luter at marguerete.luter@unisys.com.

Establishing clear objectives by answering these questions before you start assessing potential organizations will greatly benefit you in the long run. One of our recent proteges in the Women in Technology (WIT) Mentor-Protege Program offers an example of solid objective-setting. She sat down after the initial orientation program with another woman and outlined what they wanted to get out of the program. They asked themselves specific questions about why they were spending the time and identified objectives for their participation. We're fairly certain these two women will achieve what they're seeking because they have defined what they're looking for. Each time they attend a program meeting, they have their objectives in the back of their minds -- and are looking for ways to meet them.

Step 2: Assess organizations
Once you've established objectives, it's time to begin using them to narrow down the number of organizations you're interested in joining. Make sure that you're comfortable with what it proclaims as its mission, its vision