Professional Business Organizations That May Support Student Learning
If you’re a business student, you may be looking for ways to connect what you’re studying with specific fields, professional communities, and industry resources. Joining a business-related organization, such as those listed below, can be one way to explore those interests through publications, events, student memberships, chapters, and learning resources.
American Management Association (AMA)
The American Management Association is a long-standing organization focused on management practices and leadership development. Student memberships may include access to learning resources such as online training, publications, and discounts on select events.
World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA)
The World Federation of People Management Associations is a global network that supports international exchange through events and discussions focused on people-management topics and cross-border perspectives.
American Marketing Association (AMA)
The American Marketing Association is a widely recognized association in marketing. Student membership may include access to professional development resources, educational content, and opportunities to participate in student-focused activities and events, depending on location and availability.
American Finance Association (AFA)
The American Finance Association is associated with academic and research-oriented finance content. The organization also hosts meetings and conference sessions that cover a range of finance and economics topics.
Association for Finance Professionals (AFP)
The Association for Finance Professionals provides resources related to finance and treasury topics, including educational materials, webinars, and conferences. Specific offerings vary by membership type and region.
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
The Institute of Management Accountants is an association that supports accounting and finance professionals, including those interested in management accounting. It offers member communities, educational resources, and events that place accounting and finance topics in an organizational context.
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers student memberships and educational resources, including scholarships and topic-specific content. It also engages in public policy activities related to the accounting profession and provides updates on standards and professional issues.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
The Society for Human Resource Management is a large HR association with resources that include educational content, communities, and events. Members can also find updates on HR policy and compliance topics, along with learning opportunities focused on the HR field.
Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA)
The Professionals in Human Resources Association is a regional HR organization that provides HR-focused resources, events, and member support. Offerings may include educational programming and guidance materials related to HR practices and workplace policy topics.
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management emphasizes professional development through education and community resources and also tracks policy and regulatory topics relevant to medical and health services professionals.
Healthcare Administrators Association (HCAA)
The Healthcare Administrators Association focuses on healthcare administration roles connected to areas such as claims administration and third-party administration. The organization offers events and resources for members interested in administrative functions within the broader healthcare system.
Additional Opportunities
Beyond national associations, local business groups and regional professional networks can offer additional ways to engage with business topics outside the classroom, particularly through lectures, panels, and community events.
Reviewing organizations can also show how different business fields take shape outside the classroom. Check out organizations related to your interests, then explore AIU’s online degree programs to find a path that aligns with your academic goals.
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2229449 05/2026