5 Professional Organizations for Economists 

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5 Great Professional Organizations Economists Should Join

  • American Economic Association
  • World Economics Association
  • Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory
  • National Association for Business Economics
  • National Economic Association

Belonging to professional organizations for economists can be a vital aspect of developing a career in the field. The five economist organizations below may all provide access to knowledge, professional development and networking opportunities.

1. American Economic Association

The membership of this organization is made up of people from academia, government, business and nonprofits. More than 100 years old, the organization offers multiple journals, an annual meeting, information on careers, and more. Over half of the 20,000 members are academics, including graduate students, while nearly one-third work in government. Members also have the opportunity to view online webcasts for professional development, get first alerts about calls for papers and publication opportunities, and are eligible for insurance coverage. Membership costs are based on annual income, and journal subscriptions may be added to the membership.

2. World Economics Association

Both professionals and nonprofessionals in the field of economics are welcome to join the World Economics Association, founded in 2011. The aim of the organization is to bring together economists from around the world in the same way that country-specific organizations do. The organization holds an online conference and publishes three journals, the "World Social and Economic Review," "Real World Economics Review" and "Economic Thought." The organization pledges itself to promote pluralism alongside rigorous research. Its membership consists of thousands of economic professionals from more than 100 countries, and a number of prominent economists sit on its board.

3. Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory

This society includes not just economists but game developers, mathematicians and others who are interested in research and theoretical rigor and in connecting with people in other fields associated with economic theory throughout the world. It holds an annual worldwide conference and publishes "Economic Theory," a peer-reviewed journal as well as a journal of shorter articles, "Economic Theory Bulletin." Throughout the year, it also holds a series of smaller conferences.

4. National Association for Business Economics

While some other organizations for economics focus on theory, the National Association for Business Economics focuses on applied economics. Its members include academics, policy makers and other economic strategists, and it is the largest international association that has this focus. Membership includes a weekly email newsletter, "NABE NewsDigest," and a journal, "Business Economics." It also offers continuing education, opportunities to participate in round tables and webinars, job-hunting resources, discounts for NABE conferences and resources for finding consultants and speakers.

5. National Economic Association

The National Economic Association is a professional economist organization that began as the Black Economist Caucus in 1969 and has since expanded to research and promotion of knowledge among Latino, African-American and other people and communities. While it is focused on economics and how it affects minorities, including immigrants, its membership is open to everyone. It offers both student and professional memberships, and membership includes a subscription to the newsletter, the job bulletin, and the journal as well as access to networking opportunities and conferences.

Related Resource: 10 Most Affordable Top Master's in Economics Online 2018

There are also regional organizations and organizations focused on particular areas of economics. These professional economics organizations can also be excellent resources for people seeking or already involved in a career in the field of economics.