5 Things I Learned After Joining the Product Development and Management Association

After I joined, I was surprised to find how useful the Product Development and Management Association is in terms of my own professional development. The Association is a nonprofit professional society comprised of innovators that organize and publish information about the development of new products.

1. The Product Development and Management Association Helps you Build Business Connections

Membership to the Product Development and Management Association is individual but members of the association represent both large and small tech-oriented companies. Members come from Fortune 500 companies, brand new start-ups, research firms, consulting firms and more. These are the people you will be rubbing elbows with at the Product Development and Management Association conference which is held once a year. Imagine all the connections you will be able to make for your company with connections from all circles of the business world.

 

2. The Association Helps you Build Global Connections

When you join the Product Development and Management Association, you will be able to be part of an organization with reach all across the world. In this day and age, with a vibrant globalized world economy, global reach is vital and The Product Development and Management Association can assist with that. The Product Development and Management Association has over 3,000 members spread throughout the world. The Product Development and Management has 22 chapters in the United States and 16 affiliates across the world including countries in the developing world such as India and China.

 

3. The Association Sends Useful Publications Straight to your Mailbox

The Product Development and Management Association distributes a range of publications including a bimonthly journal called “Journal of Product Innovation Management” as well as “Visions Magazine”. You can never read too much about business, and these magazines are considered by third party research institutions to be very useful. You can find these magazines all across the United States in many University business libraries, and when you join the association they will be delivered straight to your mailbox.

4. The Association Gets you NPDP Certification

The Product Development and Management Association also runs a training program. Once you finish it, you are eligible to receive certification from the association called New Product Development Professional (NPDP). This is a highly valued certification and training with the association has resulted in positive effects for many companies. Sometimes a little guidance from a source like the Product Development and Management Association can go a long way. Take a look at their training program to find out!

 

5. Gain Insights from the Association Experience of Over 40 Years

The Product Development and Management Association was established in 1976 which means that they have 40 years of experience in the industry. An experience like this in the field can be invaluable to a brand new start up. Experience is generally something that money can’t buy – but in this case, it appears that it may indeed be possible!

So, kick-start your career by joining the Product Development and Management Association. It is certainly worth looking into. No matter what the position of your company today, by joining the Product Development and Management Association, there is a good chance your business will benefit.

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Mark is the Lead Author & Editor of Spectechular Blog. Mark established the Spectechular blog to create a source for news and discussion about some of the issues, challenges, news, and ideas relating to Product Management.