How to Break Into Foreign Affairs Writing

Turn a passion for world news, foreign policy into a fulfilling career

By Hampton Stephens

@HKingsmoreS

3 min read • Originally published May 25, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Hampton Stephens

@HKingsmoreS

3 min read • Originally published May 25, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

An insatiable appetite for world news. A feeling that the world outside your country’s borders is beckoning you. A frustration with the quality of political discourse on foreign policy. If any of this strikes a chord, a career in international affairs writing may be for you.

It won’t be an easy path; the most coveted employees have dedicated years—if not decades—to their foreign affairs passion. Yet there are things you can do now to excel down the road, perhaps the most important of which is to get started. Right now.

This means building a portfolio of published clips as a freelancer. Most writers covering international politics are established experts in their field. But if the work is solid, publications may give a relatively inexperienced writer a chance.

With that in mind, here are some tips for making a career out writing about foreign affairs and international relations:

Be a jack of all trades.

Writers in the digital age must have a range of different skills, including reporting, writing and editing, as well as production, coding and social media marketing. Today’s most successful foreign affairs reporters not only write well, they also understand how their writing gets produced and distributed online—and how to build an audience for their work.

And master of one.

When everyone knows just a little bit about everything, deep knowledge in at least one area becomes all the more valuable. Find an international issue or region that excites you and deeply educate yourself about it.

Follow the journalists who are experts already and contact them to follow up on their work with questions and remarks. Learn to recognize important developments before others do.als.

Cultivate the outlook of an analyst.

In a world where information is more plentiful and available than ever, the value of journalism increasingly depends on its explanatory power. This means being able to see the relationship between issues and recognize how disparate stories fit into larger trends.

Understanding the big picture will in turn enhance your ability to identify important single events when they come along, and to explain to editors why they are important to cover.

But don’t be a pundit.

Until you have a recognized body of work and have established your bona fides, avoid writing pure opinion or commentary. You’re not Henry Kissinger, so your opinion will matter very little at first to editors and readers, even if it is objectively just as valid as that of the so-called experts.

Start by reporting what is happening and what experts think about it. By doing that enough, your own opinion will begin to be more informed and will be taken that much more seriously by editors.

Look to the next big thing.

One way to ensure there is demand for your expertise is to master a topic that might not be in the spotlight, but that you believe could have greater importance down the road. That way you will be well-positioned if something does occur to make it central.

Chance plays a role of course: Think of the Syria expert prior to March 2011. Or the French foreign policy specialist prior to the November 2015 Paris shootings.

In international affairs, change is the only constant, and yesterday’s irrelevant issue or region can very quickly become today’s front-page news. Look for a subject that is both growing in importance and compelling to you personally.

Know the value of your work.

Because of the Internet’s disruption of media economics over the last 20 years, it’s more important than ever for journalists to understand the business they are in. If you understand the financial interests and pressures of your employers, you are more likely to rise to positions of leadership.

Perhaps more importantly, you will understand the value of the work you do. When you are starting out, some publishers will ask you to work for free. My advice to you: There are very few situations in which the benefits of “exposure” outweigh the hardships of not being paid.

Hampton Stephens is the founder and publisher of World Politics Review.

Topics:

Go Freelance, Journalism Advice

Hot Jobs

Hot Jobs: 14 Media Internships to Launch Your Career

Calling all students and recent grads: Here are your foot-in-the-door internship opportunities

By John Lombard

John Lombard is a content strategist and writer with over a decade of experience creating interactive and video content for brands like Apple, IBM, and Samsung. He previously worked at Mediabistro and now serves as a Client Strategist at Ceros.

5 min read • Originally published May 25, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By John Lombard

John Lombard is a content strategist and writer with over a decade of experience creating interactive and video content for brands like Apple, IBM, and Samsung. He previously worked at Mediabistro and now serves as a Client Strategist at Ceros.

5 min read • Originally published May 25, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Looking to break into the media industry? Here are 14 awesome internships to make it happen. From media opportunities at the New York Public Library to a photojournalism fellowship in Arizona, we’ve got the gigs to get your foot in the door, fill your brain with real-world industry knowledge and set you up for a sweet career in media.

The Chronicle of Higher Education
Since 1966, the Chronicle has remained the premiere source of news on the topic of higher education, pulling in more than one million readers every month. For its headquarters in Washington, DC, it’s currently on the hunt for fall interns.

1. Fall Editorial Intern
The Chronicle’s looking for an editorial intern to work as a full-time reporter in its newsroom. Gain real-world experience in this paid internship that runs from early September to mid-December; there’s a bit to prepare for with this application, so make sure you get started soon.
Apply to the Fall Editorial Internship

2. Marketing and Product Development Intern
In this six-month role, you’d be assisting with marketing initiatives and helping to grow its online community, among other responsibilities. If you’re looking to learn publication advertising and marketing as well as product development, this internship may be perfect for you.
Apply to the Marketing and Product Development Internship

The New York Public Library
With more 53 million books and other items throughout its NYC locations, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library system in the United States (just behind the slightly larger one in LA). It’s looking for several interns in varying media roles right now.

3. Summer Intern, Media Relations
The NYPL is seeking an enthusiastic summer intern to work with its media relations team, assisting with day-to-day activities such as covering documentary film shoots, planning and supporting media events, writing press releases, pitching stories and other related tasks.
Apply to the Media Relations Internship

4. Social Media Internship
The library’s Department of Communications and Marketing is looking for a social media intern to write and curate content for NYPL’s socials and blog, brainstorm content ideas and assist in communication emails. If you have a love for all things literary and an interest in being part of NYPL’s digital engagement program, check this out.
Apply to the Social Media Internship

5. Creative Services Summer Intern
In this internship you’d work alongside a team of designers, writers and video specialists on such tasks as planning photo shoots and events, as well as participating in publication and graphic design. You’re an ideal candidate if you have design or video production experience as well as knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign.
Apply to the Creative Services Internship

The Daily Dot
6. Ecommerce Content Intern
This large and growing digital publication covers the story of the 21st century: the Internet. Its revenue department is looking to hire an intern to contribute to its growing ecommerce initiative. In this paid, NYC–based role, you’d be identifying unique online deals and developing content in the Daily Dot brand voice to promote them, as well as other duties.
Apply to the Ecommerce Content Intern

Realtor.com
7. Editorial Intern
Part of the News Corp. media empire, Realtor.com breaks news and offers sage advice for home buyers, sellers and owners. In this paid internship based in Santa Clara, California, you’d be writing video scripts, reaching out to Realtors for user-generated content, assisting on shoots, syndicating stories and managing content in WordPress.
Apply to the Editorial Internship

Maxim
8. Editorial Internship
Maxim, the international men’s magazine, is looking for an editorial intern with a passion for writing to join its print team. In this NYC–based internship, you’d be working alongside editors and writers on all aspects of a story, from the initial research to the finished product.
Apply to the Editorial Internship

Meredith
9. Photojournalist Intern PT
Known for its national brands such as Better Homes and Gardens and Shape, the Meredith Corporation also owns local 3TV and CBS 5 news stations in Phoenix, Arizona. In this paid internship at the stations, through the James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists, you’d be assigned a mentor who provides real-world knowledge of television news photojournalism, editing, sports and more.
Apply to the Photojournalist Internship

MoveOn.org
10. Press Intern
This non-profit political action committee takes on campaigns to push back against right-wing policies while pursuing economic, racial and social justice. As the November election nears, MoveOn is looking for a press intern to compile and track press coverage. This three-month paid internship and allows you to work from anywhere in the United States.
Apply to the Press Internship

Heleo
11. Editorial Fellow Intern
Located in downtown New York, Heleo is a brand-new digital media startup focused on promoting thought leaders and their work and brands. In its paid fellowship, you’d be working alongside the editorial director to help grow its platform. If your training has been in more traditional journalism, this is the perfect opportunity to explore emerging facets of the media business.
Apply to the Editorial Fellowship

Melcher Media
12. Digital Intern
Calling all NYC–based coders! Melcher Media and the Future of StoryTelling—two companies who are reinventing the way stories are told—are on the hunt for a digital intern to aid in the effort of the official FoST Summit web app, among other tech-related tasks. This paid, three- to 12-month internship is a great opportunity to experience app production from concept to completion.
Apply to the Digital Internship

Accord Media
13. Beauty Ecommerce Intern
Truth in Aging—an online community where women objectively review, endorse and sell beauty products in its curated online store—is looking for an ecommerce associate intern to support its editorial teams. If you’re familiar with CMS, HTML, Photoshop and online writing, then this paid, NYC–based internship may be for you.
Apply to the Beauty Ecommerce Internship

Online Editorial Intern
14. The Hollywood Reporter
This weekly magazine and online publication—an entertainment industry bible—is now accepting applications for its paid summer 2016 editorial internship program. In this role, you’d be researching articles, writing and reporting assignments, assisting with awards show coverage as well as attending various red carpets, movie premieres and other industry events, among other tasks. And yes—it’s based in LA.
Apply to the Online Editorial Internship

Topics:

Get Hired, Hot Jobs

Skills & Expertise

6 of the Best Brands on Social Media

Learn from these employers who've got their social game down

By Molly Folse

@MollyFolse

Molly Folse is a marketing leader with 20 years of experience in content strategy and social media, currently serving as Director of Content and Creative at Protective Life. She has led award-winning content and digital campaigns across financial services, higher education, travel, and consumer brands.

3 min read • Originally published May 26, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Molly Folse

@MollyFolse

Molly Folse is a marketing leader with 20 years of experience in content strategy and social media, currently serving as Director of Content and Creative at Protective Life. She has led award-winning content and digital campaigns across financial services, higher education, travel, and consumer brands.

3 min read • Originally published May 26, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

In a world where even your grandmother has a favorite meme, there’s no excuse for marketers to not know what brands are doing social media best. Being able to spot greatness—and storing those great ideas to use later—can help up your own marketing game and showcase enthusiasm employers will appreciate.

Watch and learn from these brands that are killing it on social—and talk about them in your next job interview.

Coca-Cola

It’s almost unfair to compare the most-recognized product in the world to any other brand. But despite its size and being nearly 125 years old, Coca-Cola sets an example for companies of any size by experimenting with new channels early, treating social as a conversation and using insights from social to determine what its audience likes.

What They Do Best: Put the product at the center of content that delights
Example: The Share a Coke integrated campaign

Facebook Likes: 96.8 million
Twitter Followers: 3.2 million
Instagram Followers: 1.1 million

Red Bull

Red Bull was one of the first brands to fully embrace its role as a publisher. The brand that’s all about music, racing, extreme sports and, oh, yeah, energy drinks, actually started its publishing house before it even embraced social media.

What They Do Best: Use social media to promote its original content
Example: Red Bull TV shows, films and live events

Facebook Likes: 45.1 million
Twitter Followers: 2.12 million
Instagram Followers: 4.4 million

GoPro

Staying true to what its product is all about, GoPro’s social media strategy hinges on user-generated content. The brand makes it easy for anyone—amateurs, professionals, athletes, families, friends—to submit photos and videos captured using their GoPro cameras, and even pays its best contributors.
What They Do Best: Put their customers at the center of social content
Example: GoPro Awards user-generated content

Facebook Likes: 9.5 million
Twitter Followers: 1.5 million
Instagram Followers: 8.3 million

JetBlue

Airlines get their fair share of grief from customers on social media. JetBlue, however, has long been the gold standard in customer service. The company’s social media team often responds to mentions in a matter of minutes, and is known for going the extra mile to put smiles on customers’ faces.

What They Do Best: Listen to and engage with their customers
Example: From meeting a customer at the gate with cupcakes for his 100th flight to waiving fees for transporting folding bikes in suitcases, there are literally too many examples of JetBlue’s social media customer service to count.

Facebook Likes: 1.1 million
Twitter Followers: 2 million
Instagram Followers: 133,000

Dollar Shave Club

You probably know this brand from its crazy viral 2012 YouTube video that cost only $4,500 to produce and was done in just one day. But they didn’t stop there. Dollar Shave Club has evolved into a social customer service hero and content creator, owning all things related to skincare and other bathroom, um, rituals.

What They Do Best: Stay true to the company’s roots; Its gruff, no-nonsense voice never waivers, and the brand puts customers first
Example: #UnboxDSC, featuring customers’ own photos for which they receive a T-shirt

Facebook Likes: 2.6 million
Twitter Followers: 76,000
Instagram Followers: 50,400

Tough Mudder

Developed by a Harvard Business School grad and a former attorney, Tough Mudder challenges teams to complete military-style obstacle courses using both physical and mental abilities. The brand stresses teamwork over performance, and the events are not for the faint at heart. Through social media, Tough Mudder has been able to bring together those passionate about these live events and what they stand for.

What They Do Best: Build a community that’s not afraid to get down and dirty for what they love to do
Example: #ItsAllBeenTraining video tips, livestream coaching events and participant spotlights

Facebook Likes: 4.1 million
Twitter Followers: 161,000
Instagram Followers: 167,000

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Skills & Expertise

The Best Marketing Podcasts to Boost Your Career

Listen to these downloadable audio files for helpful marketing tips, trends and insights

By Molly Folse

@MollyFolse

Molly Folse is a marketing leader with 20 years of experience in content strategy and social media, currently serving as Director of Content and Creative at Protective Life. She has led award-winning content and digital campaigns across financial services, higher education, travel, and consumer brands.

3 min read • Originally published June 7, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Molly Folse

@MollyFolse

Molly Folse is a marketing leader with 20 years of experience in content strategy and social media, currently serving as Director of Content and Creative at Protective Life. She has led award-winning content and digital campaigns across financial services, higher education, travel, and consumer brands.

3 min read • Originally published June 7, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Podcasts are everywhere, and according to Pew Research they’re more than just a passing trend; the number of Americans who listen to podcasts has doubled in recent years.

These downloadable audio files entertain listeners with everything from stories of true crime to the marvels of science. But podcasts can also be great resources for valuable insights to increase your knowledge as a new marketer.

Start building your playlist with a few of these must-listen marketing podcasts.

1. The #AskGaryVee Podcast

This podcast is an extension of author, investor and popular high-energy public speaker Gary Vaynerchuk’s YouTube show. The premise is simple: You ask questions about marketing, Vaynerchuk answers them in his trademark off-the-cuff manner.

Length: Most shows are less than 30 minutes
Frequency: Once or twice weekly

View the #AskGaryVee Podcast Page

2. Call to Action Podcast

The Call to Action Podcast focuses on digital marketing. Topics include copywriting, design, social media, email marketing, lead generation, pay-per-click advertising, and, yes, calls to action, those clever words and phrases that get us to click.

Length: Most shows are less than 30 minutes
Frequency: Every Wednesday

View the Call to Action Podcast Page

3. Confessions of a Pink-Haired Marketer

Sonia Simone, Copyblogger’s chief content officer, believes in being true to yourself and real with others. Add the word “marketing” in there and you’ve got her weekly podcast. If you’re looking for career tips, motivation and someone to sort the best marketing insights from the you-know-what, then this is the show for you.

Length: 20 minutes
Frequency: Every Monday

View the Confessions of a Pink-Haired Marketer Podcast Page

4. Hit Publish

Host Amy Harrison is a full-time content marketer and part-time bluegrass singer. Her podcast, Hit Publish, is dedicated to educating new and intermediate marketing professionals on all things digital marketing—from ethics and etiquette to tried-and-true tricks of the trade.

Length: 15-20 minutes
Frequency: Every Monday

View the Hit Publish Podcast Page

5. Content Inc.

Content Marketing Institute founder Joe Pulizzi packs a lot of insight into his weekly snack-size podcast, Content Inc. Each episode comes packed with plenty of Pulizzi’s passion for content marketing and at least one actionable takeaway.

Length: 5 minutes
Frequency: Every Monday

View the Content Inc. Podcast Page

6. Marketing Over Coffee

Hosts John J. Wall and Christopher S. Penn get together in an actual coffee shop each week to discuss trends in traditional and new marketing, including how to get better leads from trade shows and tips for using virtual reality and 360-degree video.

Length: 20 minutes
Frequency: Every Thursday

View the Marketing Over Coffee Podcast Page

7. The Social Media Examiner Show

The Social Media Examiner Show offers tips on how to navigate the ever-changing social media landscape. You’ll get the latest updates on the major platforms, including how to use Snapchat optimize Facebook ads, manage a LinkedIn company page, increase engagement on Instagram and, well, you get the picture.

Length: 10 minutes
Frequency: Daily, Monday through Friday

View the Social Media Examiner Show Podcast Page

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Job Search

Why You Shouldn’t Pause Your Job Search This Summer

Set aside that margarita—it’s time to find your next media gig

By Valerie Berrios

@valerieberrios

Valerie Berrios is a published author and senior content manager with nearly two decades of experience in digital publishing, including roles at Audible, Disney Streaming, Everyday Health, and Mediabistro. She specializes in content strategy, editorial operations, and international content launches.

3 min read • Originally published June 9, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Valerie Berrios

@valerieberrios

Valerie Berrios is a published author and senior content manager with nearly two decades of experience in digital publishing, including roles at Audible, Disney Streaming, Everyday Health, and Mediabistro. She specializes in content strategy, editorial operations, and international content launches.

3 min read • Originally published June 9, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Heading into the summer, you’ve probably got vacation, beach days and outdoor concerts on your mind. But how about your job search?

The job market is looking up for the first time in almost a decade, with companies experiencing hiring sprees, and wages finally outpacing inflation. Now’s not the time to sit back and zone out. There are jobs out there calling your name!

Alex Twersky, an expert with Mediabistro’s Career Services, says the warmer weather typically shifts professionals, whether employed or unemployed, into a lower gear. “People are more focused on planning their next exotic weekend getaway than planning their next career step,” he says.

As a result, Twersky says it could be an effective strategy to mount a strong job hunt over the summer months, when the pickings of candidates may not be as ripe for hiring managers as during peak recruiting cycles—i.e. January and February, and September and October.

Vicki Salemi, career expert for Monster, explains that it’s not necessarily easier or harder to find jobs in the summer—or any specific time of year. “Regardless of the season, the best time to apply is when companies are hiring, because they’re always looking to fill those openings as soon as possible.”

Use this window of opportunity to get your resume and cover letter in the right hands, and score that interview with these tips.

1. Stay focused and organized. “Summertime brings more distractions—hello, sunny days!—so create micromanaged to-do lists to keep yourself on course,” says Salemi.

Mediabistro’s #WeekendJobSearch series outlines some great bite-size tasks, from purging old resumes and cover letters to tweaking your social-media profiles, which you can certainly tackle during the summer lull.

2. Network during summer Fridays. “If your office has a half-day summer Friday policy, use those quiet afternoons to your advantage,” says Salemi. “Meet with networking contacts to bolster relationships, without having to constantly sneak out of the office.”

And chat during a walk in the park or at an outdoor cafe. Having conversations in casual settings helps put people at ease, she adds.

3. Be diligent when following up. Didn’t immediately hear back from a potential employer or networking contact? The reason could be that the person is lounging at the beach or visiting a Tuscan vineyard.

If you get an out-of-office reply that says when the contact is returning to work, Salemi recommends noting it on your calendar so you can follow up the afternoon of his or her first day back or the following day.

4. Don’t think of it as a “summer job search.” Lastly, “approach your job search during the summer like you would at any other time of the year,” says Salemi. Whether you’re searching for a new job online or through networking contacts, do so with determination and by appropriately marketing your skills and experiences.

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search

Job Search

How to Use Video in Your Job Search

Are you ready for your close-up? Here are the types of videos to use to get the job you want

By KiKi L’Italien

3 min read • Originally published June 10, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By KiKi L’Italien

3 min read • Originally published June 10, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

If you’re looking for a job, it’s time to get camera ready: Well-crafted video content has all kinds of algorithmic magic working in its favor these days. Posting your video on your blog, social media channels—including that traditional business outpost, LinkedIn—will move your job search in the right direction.

Types of video content to consider:

Video Presentation of Experience, Projects or Skills: Make a “show and tell” for your abilities and help potential employers and clients see what you have to offer. Pro tip: Post the video to your customized YouTube channel first so you can provide the title, keywords and description to aid in your search engine optimization later, then use the share link to post to your blog and social media profiles.
Video Curriculum Vitae/Resume: This is a controversial topic: Many career coaches advise against creating a video CV or resume because of the potential for a negative bias based on appearance to creep into the job-hunt equation. If one of your strengths is creatively sharing your personality and professional bona fides using video, then you are in a good place to create a video CV and have it available—possibly from your LinkedIn profile—as another resource.
Live Video: Share your tips, or go longer and offer up thoughts on current issues going on in your industry, using live video on relatively new live platforms such as Periscope, Snapchat or Facebook Live. Potential employers may be doubly impressed by your insights and your adoption of a technology that a lot of media professionals are still grappling with.

Curated Video: Have you run across a new video of a speaker who speaks presciently to your industry? Discovered a TED talk that inspires you, or might inspire others in the kind of job you’d like to obtain? You never know when your potential employer might feel a sense of connection based on the types of content you share.

A caveat: Be mindful of the types of video you share and recognize that you may turn your audience off, particularly if you tread into sensitive topic areas such as politics, religion or sex.

Something Creative: There are all kinds of video that can help you stand out as the ideal hire. If you happen to be clever and funny, you might even find a way to work your job search into an interactive social media experience like this guy.

When thinking about ways to use video to support your search, consider your intended audience, objectives and strategy, and the channels you can use to amplify your message: “Hire me!”

Part of building a campaign to find your next right next step is to get a better understanding of yourself. Would you feel better having less of your face on camera, but sharing images of your projects is no big deal? Go with that. Are you comfortable sharing your thoughts or tips? Go for it.

Even if you don’t think of yourself as a thought leader in your industry, you can still identify ways to provide value from your experience to the world around you. At the very least, you will show your potential employer that you are adept at using the latest tools and communications methods.

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search

Networking

Marketing Professional Associations: The Best Organizations to Join

Networking groups and professional organizations for marketers, PR professionals, and communicators

By Molly Folse

@MollyFolse

Molly Folse is a marketing leader with 20 years of experience in content strategy and social media, currently serving as Director of Content and Creative at Protective Life. She has led award-winning content and digital campaigns across financial services, higher education, travel, and consumer brands.

7 min read • Originally published June 13, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Molly Folse

@MollyFolse

Molly Folse is a marketing leader with 20 years of experience in content strategy and social media, currently serving as Director of Content and Creative at Protective Life. She has led award-winning content and digital campaigns across financial services, higher education, travel, and consumer brands.

7 min read • Originally published June 13, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

Joining a professional association opens doors to valuable networking opportunities, industry training, and career advancement. The right membership can connect you with peers, provide access to exclusive resources, and add credibility to your resume.

Here are the top professional associations for marketers, advertisers, PR professionals, and communicators—along with membership costs and key benefits.

Why Join a Professional Association?

Networking – Connect with peers, mentors, and potential employers at events and through member directories
Professional development – Access training, certifications, webinars, and conferences
Industry credibility – Membership signals commitment to your profession
Job opportunities – Many associations have job boards exclusive to members
Resources – Research, templates, salary data, and industry benchmarks
Leadership experience – Serve on committees or local chapter boards

Marketing Professional Associations

American Marketing Association (AMA)

The American Marketing Association is one of the largest and oldest marketing organizations, with 30,000+ members and 70 local chapters across the country.

Benefits:

Local chapter networking events and national conferences
Professional certifications (PCM®)
Exclusive research, webcasts, and marketing resources
Templates, assessment tools, and planning guides
Leadership opportunities on local executive boards

Membership: Professional membership starts at $149/year (plus local chapter dues of $25-$75). Young professional rates are available for recent graduates.

Association of National Advertisers (ANA)

The Association of National Advertisers represents the marketing community with a focus on brand building, media, and advertising effectiveness.

Benefits:

Industry research and benchmarking studies
Training and professional development
Networking with brand-side marketers
Committees focused on specific marketing disciplines

Membership: Corporate membership (company must join); individual benefits through employer membership.

Product Marketing Alliance (PMA)

The Product Marketing Alliance is a growing community of product marketing professionals.

Benefits:

Product marketing certifications
Templates, frameworks, and playbooks
Slack community for peer networking
Virtual and in-person events

Membership: Free tier available; Pro membership with additional resources.

Advertising Professional Associations

American Advertising Federation (AAF)

The American Advertising Federation connects advertisers, agencies, media companies, and students through local clubs and college chapters nationwide.

Benefits:

Local chapter events and national conferences
ADDY Awards recognition program
Professional development and training
Advocacy for the advertising industry
College chapter involvement and mentorship opportunities

Membership: Varies by local chapter; discounted associate membership for young professionals under 32.

4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies)

The 4A’s is the leading trade association for advertising and marketing agencies, representing the agency perspective in the industry.

Benefits:

Agency management resources and best practices
Industry research and compensation studies
Training programs and conferences
Talent development initiatives

Membership: Agency membership (agencies must join as organizations).

The One Club for Creativity

The One Club celebrates creative excellence in advertising and design, known for The One Show awards.

Benefits:

Access to award-winning creative work archives
Networking with creative professionals
Educational programs and portfolio reviews
One Show award submissions

Membership: Individual memberships available; student and young professional rates.

Public Relations & Communications Associations

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

The Public Relations Society of America is the largest organization for PR and communications professionals, with 22,000+ members.

Benefits:

APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) credential
Local chapter events and national conferences
Professional development in social media, corporate communications, crisis management
Ethics standards and advocacy for the profession
Job center and career resources

Membership: Associate membership for those with less than 3 years experience: $60-$200 based on experience. Full professional membership: $260-$305/year plus chapter dues.

International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)

The IABC serves communication professionals globally, with members in 70+ countries.

Benefits:

Global Communication Certification (GCC)
World Conference and regional events
Communication World magazine and research
International networking opportunities

Membership: Professional membership approximately $300/year; student and transitional rates available.

Arthur W. Page Society

The Arthur W. Page Society is an exclusive membership organization for senior corporate communications executives.

Benefits:

Peer networking with Fortune 500 CCOs
Research on corporate communications trends
Executive-level events and conferences

Membership: By invitation; for senior communications executives only.

Digital Marketing & Content Associations

Content Marketing Institute (CMI)

The Content Marketing Institute is the leading resource for content marketing education and community.

Benefits:

Content Marketing World conference
Research reports and benchmarking studies
Online training and certification
Chief Content Officer magazine

Membership: Free content available; paid training and conference registration.

Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

The Data & Marketing Association focuses on data-driven marketing, including digital, email, and direct marketing.

Benefits:

Data and privacy compliance resources
Research on digital marketing effectiveness
Certification programs
Annual conferences and events

Membership: Corporate membership structure; individual benefits through employer.

Social Media Marketing Society

Social Media Marketing Society (from Social Media Examiner) is a membership community for social media marketers.

Benefits:

Weekly live training sessions
Private community for peer discussion
Exclusive research and guides
Discounts on Social Media Marketing World conference

Membership: Paid membership with monthly and annual options.

Specialized Marketing Associations

Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)

The SMPS serves marketing professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industries.

Benefits:

CPSM certification (Certified Professional Services Marketer)
Industry-specific training and resources
Local chapter networking
Annual Build Business conference

Membership: Approximately $350/year for professional members.

Association of National Advertisers B2B (formerly BMA)

The ANA B2B focuses on business-to-business marketing.

Benefits:

B2B marketing research and best practices
B2 Awards recognition program
Networking with B2B marketing leaders

Membership: Through ANA corporate membership.

American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP)

The AA-ISP serves inside sales and sales development professionals, with relevance for sales-focused marketers.

Benefits:

Inside sales training and certification
Research on sales development
Networking with sales professionals

Membership: Individual and corporate memberships available.

Online Communities for Marketing Professionals

Beyond formal associations, online communities offer additional networking opportunities:

The CMO Network (LinkedIn Group)

The CMO Network is a private, executive-level LinkedIn group for Chief Marketing Officers, Heads of Marketing, VPs of Marketing, and senior marketing executives leading brand, growth, and go-to-market strategy. This group is actually owned by the same company that runs Mediabistro, CognoGroup, so it’s a sister brand.

Who it’s for: Marketing leaders responsible for revenue growth, brand leadership, customer acquisition, performance marketing, marketing operations, marketing technology, and organizational design.

Discussion topics include:

Executive marketing leadership and board-level communication
Brand strategy, demand generation, and go-to-market planning
Marketing organization structure, hiring, and senior talent development
Media strategy, martech stacks, data, analytics, and AI adoption
The evolving role of the CMO and cross-functional leadership

Other Online Communities

Slack communities – RevGenius (revenue professionals), Superpath (content marketers), Demand Curve (growth marketers)
Reddit – r/marketing, r/PPC, r/socialmedia for peer discussions
Local meetup groups – Search Meetup.com for marketing groups in your city

How to Choose the Right Association

Consider your specialty – General marketing vs. PR vs. digital vs. industry-specific
Evaluate local chapters – Active local chapters provide more networking value
Check certification options – If credentials matter in your field, prioritize associations that offer them
Attend an event first – Many associations allow non-members to attend events before joining
Calculate ROI – Consider whether membership benefits justify the cost for your career stage

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best professional associations for marketers?

The top marketing associations include the American Marketing Association (AMA), the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the American Advertising Federation (AAF), and the Content Marketing Institute (CMI). The best choice depends on your specialty—PR, advertising, digital, or general marketing.

Is it worth joining a marketing professional association?

Yes, if you take advantage of the benefits. Professional associations provide networking opportunities, training, certifications, and job resources. The value depends on how actively you participate—attending events, using resources, and engaging with other members.

How much does it cost to join a marketing association?

Membership costs vary. The American Marketing Association charges around $149/year plus local chapter dues. PRSA ranges from $60 to $305/year, depending on experience level. Many associations offer discounted rates for students, recent graduates, and young professionals.

What’s the difference between AMA and PRSA?

The American Marketing Association (AMA) focuses on marketing broadly—strategy, research, digital, brand management. PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) focuses specifically on public relations and communications. Choose based on whether your career leans more toward marketing or PR.

Are there free marketing professional groups to join?

Yes. Online communities like The CMO Network on LinkedIn, Slack communities, Reddit marketing forums, and local Meetup groups offer free networking. Some associations also offer free tiers with limited benefits, or allow non-members to attend certain events.

Do marketing certifications from associations matter?

It depends on your field and career goals. The PRSA’s APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) is respected in PR. The AMA’s PCM (Professional Certified Marketer) demonstrates marketing competency. Certifications can help with career advancement, especially when changing industries or seeking promotions.

How do I find the local chapter of a marketing association?

Visit the national association’s website and look for a “chapters” or “local” section. Most major associations (AMA, PRSA, AAF) have chapters in major cities. Local chapters typically hold monthly events and have their own membership dues in addition to national dues.

Looking for your next marketing role? Browse marketing jobs on Mediabistro.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Networking

Job Search

How to Build a Job Search Schedule That Keeps You on Track

#WeekendJobSearch Assignment #13: Establish a job search routine

By John Lombard

John Lombard is a content strategist and writer with over a decade of experience creating interactive and video content for brands like Apple, IBM, and Samsung. He previously worked at Mediabistro and now serves as a Client Strategist at Ceros.

2 min read • Originally published June 17, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By John Lombard

John Lombard is a content strategist and writer with over a decade of experience creating interactive and video content for brands like Apple, IBM, and Samsung. He previously worked at Mediabistro and now serves as a Client Strategist at Ceros.

2 min read • Originally published June 17, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Welcome to week 13, the final entry of our #WeekendJobSearch that breaks the whole job-search process into 13 totally doable to-do items.

Last week, you learned a new skill to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

This week, we’re helping you keep the momentum you’ve gained on your job search by setting up an easy-to-follow schedule of daily, weekly and monthly tasks.

The Weekend Job Search Assignment #13

Set up a Routine

Taking everything you’ve learned throughout #WeekendJobSearch, it’s now time to put together an action plan to keep you moving forward. Here’s how you can develop a routine.

Add these to-dos to your calendar:

Daily

If your job search goal is to review the job board and apply to one new position a day, make sure you’re sticking to this!

Review your weekly items (below) and prioritize so you can make each day as impactful as possible.

Weekly

Keep your social house in order: Stay active on LinkedIn, keep your profile up to date and share articles. Also be sure your other social channels are job search appropriate so nothing would scare off a recruiter.

Practice your elevator pitch, tweaking if necessary. And to stay sharp on your interview skills, grab a friend and conduct a mock interview.

Take a minute to set your weekly job search goals. Set something solid like applying to two jobs a day or 10 jobs a week. Don’t forget: Use our job search tracker to keep tabs on your progress and to set goals!

Monthly

Check on your resume to make sure it’s up to date. This includes any new skills you’ve learned.

Make sure you’re interview-ready. This means being sure your outfit is ready to go, and that you’re ready to look awesome in an interview.

If you’ve got the time, consider taking a monthly class. This is a great way to stay active and to show recruiters you are actively involved in your field.

Research upcoming conferences. If anything stands out, sign up.

Clean up your desktop, folders and physical documents so your job search area works for you.

We sincerely hope you found the #WeekendJobSearch to be a productive use of your weekend downtime. We worked hard to put together a program that’s manageable, actionable and that gets results.

Now go, enjoy your weekend—and good luck with the job search!

Start from the beginning: #WeekendJobSearch Assignment #1

Share your progress on Twitter: #WeekendJobSearch

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search

Interview Tips

Why Are You Looking for a New Job?

Five totally valid responses that hiring managers actually want to hear.

By John Lombard

John Lombard is a content strategist and writer with over a decade of experience creating interactive and video content for brands like Apple, IBM, and Samsung. He previously worked at Mediabistro and now serves as a Client Strategist at Ceros.

3 min read • Originally published June 20, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By John Lombard

John Lombard is a content strategist and writer with over a decade of experience creating interactive and video content for brands like Apple, IBM, and Samsung. He previously worked at Mediabistro and now serves as a Client Strategist at Ceros.

3 min read • Originally published June 20, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

If you’re currently employed and interviewing at other companies, you can count on being asked why you’re looking for a new job. Show up unprepared, and you could fall into the trap of trash-talking your employer simply for lack of a better response.

Ace this common question by following these five totally valid responses hiring managers actually like to hear.

1. Weave in Your Strengths

To take this tricky interview question and turn it into an opportunity to showcase your strengths, Charina L. Flores, VP of Human Resources at the Barbelo Group, has a solution: Share your long-term goals with the hiring manager, explain how your current company doesn’t provide the foundation for those goals, then describe how your strengths align with the new company.

Here’s an example:

My goal is to lead digital projects in a fast-paced agency. I love working on a creative team, thrive under pressure and have been told by my managers I excel at project management. My current company works with a small group of clients, and I’m looking for exposure to a larger diversity of brands so I can continue to hone my skills.

2. Make It Compelling, and Not About a Paycheck

For Ali Mercier, marketing content manager at The Leadership Program, the best answers are ones that focus on your career growth and passion, not ones that mention you just need work.

“Are they looking for an opportunity to grow? Have they sought out my company because of the culture and brand? Are they interested in investing in themselves by doing something they love? All of these answers sound great to my ears—as would many more,” says Mercier. “Don’t tell me you need the paycheck.”

Want even more help with your interview preparation? The counselors with Mediabistro’s Career Services can help you refine your interview skills in a one-on-one session.

3. Be a Little Obsessed With the Company

Another approach is to make it clear that the company you’re applying to is the only one on your radar. Chris Dessi, founder and CEO of Silverback Social, says all he wants to hear from a candidate is, “I’m not looking for a new job, I’m looking to collaborate with you.”

“I want to be wooed,” says Dessi. “I want them to only, and desperately, want to be associated with my agency, and my agency only.”

To go with this approach, you’ll need to take some time to learn all you can about the company, its greatest projects, related industry trends and what you can contribute. And it helps if you’re, you know, actually super passionate about working there.

4. Talk About Your Boundless Energy

Alex Twersky, career expert and Mediabistro’s own resume and cover letter writer, says to take this as an opportunity to compliment your current company on the opportunities you’ve been given to learn, grow and contribute to the team. Then, because of your unstoppable enthusiasm to grow in the field and further develop your talents, explain that you’re now seeking out new opportunities.

“The undertone of answering the question in this way is that you have boundless energy and are seeking a new outlet in which to channel it,” says Twersky. “Ultimately, this puts a very positive spin on your reasons for wanting to leave.”

5. And Remember: Don’t Talk Trash

No matter how awful your current situation may be, it’s never a good idea to speak negatively about your current or former manager.

“From an employer’s perspective, it’s always refreshing to speak to candidates that are more laid back and looking to learn new things and grow in their professional and personal lives,” says Maxwell Barna, manager of digital content and communications at RushOrderTees. “So when a candidate’s first inclination is to speak out harshly against their current employer, even if it’s totally justified, it tends to leave a bitter taste in my mouth.”

Barna says it’s important to focus on the positive reasons for seeking a new job and reminds candidates to “keep it classy and professional.”

Topics:

Get Hired, Interview Tips

Skills & Expertise

How to Keep Your Content Going During the Summer Slowdown

Because no news is bad news when it comes to keeping your posts fresh, here’s how to plan ahead

By McLean Robbins

McLean Robbins is a luxury travel editor, marketing leader, and adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University with two decades of bylines in Forbes Travel Guide, Robb Report, and Washingtonian. She is the founder of Lily Pond Luxury, a Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist agency, and previously served as VP of Marketing at MBO Partners.

3 min read • Originally published June 21, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By McLean Robbins

McLean Robbins is a luxury travel editor, marketing leader, and adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University with two decades of bylines in Forbes Travel Guide, Robb Report, and Washingtonian. She is the founder of Lily Pond Luxury, a Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist agency, and previously served as VP of Marketing at MBO Partners.

3 min read • Originally published June 21, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

With the arrival of the lazy days of summer, many industries are entering an annual slowdown in “new news.” Conferences and breaking news events become fewer and further between and key staff takes vacation time.

But never fear: Your blog, website and social media presence don’t have to suffer. With a careful combination of planning and creativity, you can keep your content and posts fresh, even when you’re kicking back. (And if you’re looking for a content job, you can use these same pointers to keep your skills just as relevant.)

Just follow the six simple tips below.

Use an Editorial Calendar

Planning is key to get through any content slump. By using a tool called an editorial calendar, it’s easy to document when content is scheduled throughout the day, week or month and visually identify gaps, either in post frequency or in topics.

A good rule of thumb: The third week of each month, review the following month’s content, and aim to have content ready two weeks before its run date for more evergreen topics. This will give you “breathing room” in case you need to shift pieces around.

Revisit Your Old Content

Documenting your content plans are a key part of any successful content strategy or content marketing initiative. By understanding what you have, you’re more likely to be able to know what to create in the future.

Think of your documentation, often called a content audit, as your “content closet.” You may tend to wear jeans and white tops, but you don’t want too many of the same thing. It’s also important to clean and “air out” your dirty laundry.

This may mean recycling and revamping older pieces that are valuable but feature outdated information, or taking a previously visited topic and writing a follow-up piece or creating a supplemental piece of media, such an infographic, video, or slideshow. When you create new content, don’t forget to re-promote and schedule within your editorial calendar.

Use Analytics to Determine High Performers

A frequent, thorough review of your content analytics can help you identify high-performing and low-performing content, as well as optimize for future performance.

Once a month, review to identify trends; once this summer, review broader to measure seasonal and annual trends. For example, certain sites may see rises and dips in traffic around key product launches, sales milestones and events, while others are driven by “viral” content and news.

Dive deeper than just measuring unique views and time on site. Examine if certain types of content perform well—lists, for example—and if content topics, days of week or times of day work better than others. Optimize against these metrics, and continually strive to improve.

Interview Key Staff

Your on-staff subject matter experts are often untapped sources for new content. Schedule regular check-ins to get an insider’s view on what’s going on in the industry, and ask their opinion on new content.

This may also be the perfect time to ask for guest blog posts—or volunteer to ghost-write a post—from the “experts” on your team, which can serve as a great source of content during slow periods.

Think Seasonally

Keep content fresh by tying themes into seasonal events. The upcoming Fourth of July, Labor Day and the back-to-school season are great annual pegs to relate tangentially to your brand for added fun and timely content.

Know When to Take a Break

If you’ve followed the tips above, you likely already know when your brand is going to go through a slow period. Content machines function best with regular care and feeding, but, like a marathon runner resting after a big race, it’s okay to slow down the cycle every now and again.

For example, if you publish a digest of weekly news on Mondays, it’s okay to skip a week when Monday falls on a holiday, or shift the posting to Tuesday instead. If your industry slows during the summer, it may be permissible, even recommended, to reduce posting frequency during slow months as well.

Mediabistro instructor McLean Robbins is a content strategist, copywriter and digital consultant. Find her at mcleanrobbins.com.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Be a jack of all trades.

And master of one.

Cultivate the outlook of an analyst.

But don’t be a pundit.

Look to the next big thing.

Know the value of your work.

Coca-Cola

Red Bull

GoPro

JetBlue

Dollar Shave Club

Tough Mudder

Why Join a Professional Association?

Marketing Professional Associations

American Marketing Association (AMA)

Association of National Advertisers (ANA)

Product Marketing Alliance (PMA)

Advertising Professional Associations

American Advertising Federation (AAF)

4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies)

The One Club for Creativity

Public Relations & Communications Associations

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)

Arthur W. Page Society

Digital Marketing & Content Associations

Content Marketing Institute (CMI)

Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Social Media Marketing Society

Specialized Marketing Associations

Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)

Association of National Advertisers B2B (formerly BMA)

American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP)

Online Communities for Marketing Professionals

The CMO Network (LinkedIn Group)

Other Online Communities

How to Choose the Right Association

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best professional associations for marketers?

Is it worth joining a marketing professional association?

How much does it cost to join a marketing association?

What’s the difference between AMA and PRSA?

Are there free marketing professional groups to join?

Do marketing certifications from associations matter?

How do I find the local chapter of a marketing association?

The Weekend Job Search Assignment #13

1. Weave in Your Strengths

2. Make It Compelling, and Not About a Paycheck

3. Be a Little Obsessed With the Company

4. Talk About Your Boundless Energy

5. And Remember: Don’t Talk Trash

Use an Editorial Calendar

Revisit Your Old Content

Use Analytics to Determine High Performers

Interview Key Staff

Think Seasonally

Know When to Take a Break

Rand Blunk