There are a number of professional associations available for computer professionals to join. These associations provide ongoing technical education on current topics in the industry and an opportunity to network with other professionals. They may also sponsor certifying examinations and student chapters. They focus on furthering the professional education and contacts of people in the computer industry, rather than on vendor's product.

These Associations have a national headquarters that provides professional focus, an infrastructure, consistency across chapters, and an annual conference. They hold monthly meetings with speakers and offer the opportunity to meet other professionals with similar interests.

Professional association fees typically include a membership fee, which is used by national headquarters to support their mission, and a nominal fee at the local level for meals or newsletters. Association publications generally include a magazine published by national headquarters and local chapter newsletters. Members are encouraged to participate actively in appointed and elected offices of the organization at local, regional, and national levels, providing opportunities for professionals to learn leadership, management and technical skills.

1. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

National Headquarters

445 Hoes Lane, P.O. Box 1331

Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331

(732) 981-0060 or 1-800-678-IEEE

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2. Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

National Headquarters

1515 Broadway

New York, NY 10036-9998

(202)659-0600

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3. Association for Women in Computing (AWC)

National Headquarters

41 Sutter Street, Suite 1006

San Francisco, CA 94104

(415) 905-4663

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4. National Captial Chapter (NCC)

Nicki Birch (703) 255-0421