UW–Madison advising, career services, and learning support professionals are encouraged to utilize resources from the following regional or national organizations. There are many benefits to joining a professional organization or attending one of their events, including:
- Networking – Create professional relationships and connect to your peers
- Career Development – Involvement may be listed on a resume to show dedication to your profession. Some organizations may also offer career resources.
- Advancing Professional Core Competencies – The following organizations have a wealth of knowledge in the form of articles, newsletters, case studies, book recommendations, or videos.
If you have additional professional organizations to recommend, contact the Office of Academic & Career Success at info@advising.wisc.edu. New staff are also encouraged to contact us if they would like to connect to an experienced staff member who can answer questions about their experience with one or more of these organizations.
National Career Development Association (NCDA)
NCDA provides programs and services for career development professionals and for the public involved with or interested in career development, including, but not limited to, professional development activities, publications, research, general information, professional standards, advocacy, and recognition for achievement and service.
Wisconsin Career Development Association (WCDA)
WCDA members are career development practitioners in many different settings including higher education, private practice, K-12, workforce centers, and business and industry.
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
The National Association of Colleges and Employers connects campus recruiting and career services professionals, and provides best practices, trends, research, professional development, and conferences. UW–Madison has an institutional membership for NACE. Contact danielle.marriner@wisc.edu for more information.
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) is an association of professional advisors, counselors, faculty, administrators, and students working to enhance the educational development of students.
Wisconsin Academic Advising Association (WACADA)
WACADA represents all factions of the advising spectrum including administrators, counselors, and advisors.
Madison Student Personnel Association (SPA)
SPA is a Madison-area association of current and aspiring higher education professionals which facilitates collaboration and networking to support one another and enhance the student experience.
College Reading and Learning Association
The College Reading and Learning Association is the national professional development resource of choice for college professionals dedicated to enhancing student academic success.
Wisconsin College Learning Center Association
The purpose of the organization is to create a network of college learning support professionals in postsecondary institutions operating in Wisconsin.
National College and Learning Center Association
The purpose of this organization is to create a network of college learning support professionals across the nation.
Career Leadership Collective
The Career Leadership Collective is a network of innovators and leaders, and a solutions group that highlights the innovative, extraordinary, and uniquely helpful in college and university career services in order to assist all levels of leaders with change, innovation, cross-campus integrations, and healthy organizational growth. UW-Madison has an institutional membership. Use your wisc.edu and University of Wisconsin-Madison to create a log-in.