You pay for your CIPS membership every year, yet are you getting your money’s worth? I speak to so many students about branch events and they either are not aware of them, or have never attended an event. There are hundreds of volunteers working their hardest to create events which add value, aid networking and serve their community.
I am a proud volunteer member of the CIPS Birmingham & Coventry Branch, acting as the Student Representative Support Officer alongside Olivia Barber. I see firsthand how much effort every member of the branch puts in to create value for our members.
I am going to make the argument for why you should be making use of your branch events in a moment, but firstly I would like to ask you to do two things that will help our branches out.
- Please ensure that your CIPS dashboard profile is updated with your full information, this helps the branch with demographics, whether you have passed CIPS or still a student member, and a gender breakdown. This is super helpful when we plan events
- Follow your local CIPS branch’s social media, our Birmingham & Coventry branch details are here
Let’s get to the reasons why you should be making the most of your CIPS branch:
Networking Opportunities: CIPS branch events provide a platform for students to network with experienced procurement professionals and industry leaders. This interaction can lead to mentorship opportunities, job offers, and valuable industry insights. Networking at these events allows students to build connections that can be crucial for their future careers
CPD: These events often feature workshops, seminars, and presentations on the latest trends and best practices in procurement and supply chain management. Attending these sessions helps students stay updated with industry developments and enhances their knowledge and skills. You gain 2 hours of CPD for each branch event you attend.
Career Advancement: Participation in CIPS events can significantly boost a student’s resume. Employers recognise the value of CIPS membership and involvement in its events as indicators of a candidate’s commitment to professional growth and excellence in the field of procurement
Access to Expertise: Students can gain direct access to experts through Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and one-on-one interactions at these events. This access allows them to ask specific questions and receive tailored advice related to their career paths and academic learning.
Use this link to check out the current events from the global CIPS branches, and especially look out for our Memory Monsters event on Halloween – where I take you through steps to help your memory retention.
I hope to see you all at branch events soon, if you attend one that you find really useful or have any ideas for branch events then please let me know at info@businessacademy-online.com