How do I add an association to LinkedIn?

Overview

Adding an association to your LinkedIn profile can be a great way to highlight your professional experience and connections. LinkedIn allows you to list associations you are a member of, which are then displayed on your profile. This gives viewers a better understanding of your background andinterests.

Associations can include professional organizations, alumni associations, interest groups, nonprofits, and more. Showcasing relevant associations demonstrates your engagement in your field or industry. It’s also a way to connect with other members who have similar affiliations.

Adding associations is easy to do by following a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of adding associations on both desktop and mobile. We’ll also provide tips for choosing which associations to include and how to optimize them on your profile.

Benefits of Adding Associations

Here are some of the benefits of adding associations to your LinkedIn profile:

• Demonstrates your professional engagement and interests
• Connects you with other members who share affiliations
• Shows your commitment to specific organizations or causes
• Displays credentials like membership levels and leadership positions
• Allows you to expand your network by connecting with fellow members
• Gives viewers a better understanding of your background and expertise
• Highlights skills and knowledge gained through involvement
• Creates opportunities for endorsements and recommendations from association connections
• Enhances your professional brand and image on your profile

Overall, including associations adds depth and context to your profile. It paints a fuller picture of your experience and demonstrates your commitment to your field.

How to Add Associations on LinkedIn Desktop

Adding associations via the LinkedIn desktop site is easy to do by following these steps:

1. Go to www.linkedin.com and log into your account.
2. Click on the “Me” icon at the top of your homepage.
3. From the drop down menu, select “View profile.”
4. On your profile page, find the “Associations” section and click the pencil “Edit” icon.
5. Click the + icon to add a new association.
6. Search for the name of the association and select it when it appears.
7. Choose any applicable positions like “Member” or “Board Member.”
8. Add the start date and (optional) end date.
9. Click “Save” to add the association.

You can repeat steps 5-8 to include additional associations. They will all be visible in the Associations section of your profile.

Tips for Adding Associations on Desktop

• List your most relevant, current associations first.
• Include leadership positions like “President” or “Chair.”
• Use abbreviations if an association has an acronym, e.g. “AMA” vs “American Marketing Association.”
• Add metrics like number of members to convey size and scope.
• Include brief descriptions of lesser-known groups.
• Keep your list focused on your top 5-10 affiliations.
• Update with new associations as you join them.

Following these best practices will optimize your Associations section and highlight your most important memberships.

How to Add Associations on LinkedIn Mobile

If you primarily use LinkedIn on your mobile device, here is how to add associations:

1. Launch the LinkedIn app and tap your profile icon.
2. Tap “View profile” to access your profile screen.
3. Scroll down and tap the pencil icon to edit your Associations section.
4. Tap the + icon to add a new association.
5. Search for the name of the association and select it.
6. Choose your membership position and add dates.
7. Tap “Save” to add the association.

As on desktop, you can include multiple associations by repeating the steps above. They will display in a condensed format on mobile, with an option to “See all.”

Tips for Adding Associations on Mobile

Optimizing your associations from your phone is easy by applying these tips:

• Prioritize associations that are most relevant for your goals.
• Abbreviate longer names so they take up less space.
• List leadership roles like “President, 2010-2020.”
• Remove old, inactive associations to keep your profile focused.
• Use brief descriptions for lesser-known groups.
• Update your associations as you join new organizations.
• Check how they look on desktop and make any edits needed.

Following best practices for mobile ensures your associations are formatted properly for small screens.

Choosing Which Associations to Include

With a limited amount of space, you’ll want to carefully curate which associations to showcase. Here are some tips for choosing which to add to your profile:

• Include associations directly related to your industry or job.
• List any high-level positions indicating leadership or authority.
• Feature associations that expand your professional network.
• Highlight organizations where you are an active, engaged member.
• Select well-known groups that are recognizable in your field.
• Mention associations that required an application or invitation.
• Pick groups aligned with your brand, values, or interests.
• Weigh relevance over quantity when picking associations.

Focus on quality over quantity by selecting your top 5-10 professional affiliations. Avoid listing too many associations that may dilute their impact.

Here is an example of a curated, impactful Associations list:

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Member, 2015-present
• Board Member, California NASW chapter, 2018-present
• American Psychological Association (APA), Member, 2010-present
• Gerontological Society of America, Member, 2012-present

This list highlights leadership roles, prestigious professional groups, and relevant organizations. Following these selection criteria ensures your associations are focused and effective.

Optimizing Your Associations Section

Once you’ve added associations, optimize this section by following these tips:

Prominently Display the Section

Drag the Associations box higher up on your profile to give it visibility. Don’t bury it near the bottom.

Feature Your Best Associations First

List your most important, impressive associations at the top. Lead with leadership positions and prestigious groups.

Use Numbers to Demonstrate Size and Scope

Include membership numbers, chapter locations, or years in operation to convey scale. For example, “Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), over 100,000 members worldwide.”

Quantify Your Contributions

For leadership roles, include metrics demonstrating your impact. For instance, “Increased chapter membership by 25% as President of Local SHRM Chapter.”

Update Regularly

As you join new associations, add them and remove inactive ones. Keep your affiliations fresh and current.

Applying these optimization tips will make your Associations section as compelling as possible. On your desktop profile, associations are prominently displayed near the top. On mobile, they will be visible in condensed format.

Sample Associations Section

Here is an example of an optimized Associations section showcasing leadership, engagement, and achievements:

Associations

President, California Society of CPAs, 2019-present
– Lead board of 15 members overseeing association with over 8,500 CA CPAs
– Grew membership by 18% since taking office

American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Member, 2008-present
– Nation’s largest member association representing over 418,000 CPAs

Financial Women’s Association (FWA), Member, 2010-present
– By invitation only, limits members to 1,000 leading female finance professionals globally

VP of Membership, Bay Area Finance Association, 2015-2018
– Expanded association membership by over 30% during 3-year term

This example prominently displays a current leadership role first. It includes membership numbers to convey size and uses metrics to quantify contributions. Following these best practices will create an impactful Associations section.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about adding associations on LinkedIn:

How many associations should I include?

Aim for around 5-10 of your most relevant, impressive associations. Avoid including too many or listing affiliations with minimal relevance.

What type of positions should I list?

Include any leadership roles like President, Vice President, Chair, or Board Member. For general members, state “Member” along with the date range.

Can I rearrange the order of associations?

Yes, you can reorder associations by dragging and dropping on desktop. On mobile, they will appear in chronological order.

What if I can’t find the association when searching?

Try searching for synonyms or alternate names. If you still can’t find it, add it manually by entering info like the association name, your position, and dates.

Should I include associations no longer active?

Only include inactive roles that are still relevant and impactful. Remove groups or memberships that expired long ago and are no longer pertinent.

Is there a character limit?

Associations have a 700 character limit, including spaces. Be concise with descriptions and abbreviate longer names when possible.

Can I customize the section name?

No, you cannot alter the default section title “Associations”. This standardizes the profile experience across LinkedIn.

Highlighting your professional associations is an impactful way to convey your expertise, leadership capabilities, and connections. Carefully curate which groups you showcase and optimize the presentation. This will maximize the value of your Associations section.

Conclusion

Adding associations to your LinkedIn profile provides a variety of benefits. It demonstrates your professional engagement, expands your network, and conveys important credentials.

Including associations is easy to do through LinkedIn’s website and mobile app. Carefully choose which groups to highlight based on relevance, position, and prestige. Curate your associations to feature your top affiliations prominently.

Make sure to optimize the section by displaying it prominently, quantifying your impact, and updating it regularly. Follow the tips provided to create a compelling Associations section that makes a strong statement on your profile. Associations are a valuable way to enhance your personal brand and connect with fellow professionals.