In today’s constantly changing business environment, where several factors impact industry—new technologies, global economy and market situation, supply and demand, regulations and compliance, and more—networking is an important aspect of an individual’s professional growth. Joining a professional group, like the International Society of Automation, ISA, is probably one of the most effective networking tools available.

Use ISA as Your Main Network

By networking, you’ll be able to learn from others with different knowledge or experience. In our field, learning from others can save tremendous time, money, and efforts. If you are involved in the safety of a plant, finding out from somebody else that a potential safety hazard that can be easily avoided by simply upgrading software, for example, will probably save you the hassle of trying to figure it out yourself—not to mention that you’ve effectively improved the safety of your plant! As an ISA Member, you can take advantage of this type of networking in several places but what comes to my mind as one of the best places to network are your local Section meetings, Division Symposia, and regional local events.
I encourage everyone to try to make the time and attend a local Section meeting this year. Our Membership grows out of our Section activities and it is through these events we can recruit, share, learn, and grow our society, ourselves professionally, and our profession. While every Section does meetings, events, and activities differently, there’s an underlying common thread and that’s the likeminded individuals, like you. Using ISA as your primary automation professional networking outlet has unlimited potential. Since both you and your fellow ISA Members have your society in common, an important connection is established, almost by default. At local Section meetings, you also have the added benefit of sharing the same geographic area with your fellow Members, something that can be important when discussing job opportunities, local growth, competition, and opportunities.
Another fantastic networking outlet ISA offers, is the Division Symposia, our technical conferences that bring together automation professionals based upon technical field, or industry. The networking opportunities these events offer are boundless and can lead to new product innovations, solutions to technical problems, and new business relationships.
As an ISA Member you’re already networking with over 30,000 likeminded individuals worldwide.
Take fully advantage of the several networking opportunities ISA offers:
1. List Serves
2. Section Events
3. Annual Events
4. Local Events
5. Mentor Program
6. ISA on social networks, such as LinkedIn
7. Volunteer opportunities
While networking via ISA certainly has several business and professional benefits, lets not forget the friendship it offers. As a global society, we have the opportunity to befriend colleagues all over the world when we serve on committees, join communities, sign up for a training class, or enroll on a list serve. Many times, we get to know other Members virtually and when we meet these individuals face-to-face, it no longer feels like we’re networking—it simply feels like friendship!

Nelson Ninin
2010 ISA President