Looking for a job, but tired of feeling burnt out and lost in your work? Don’t fret. Trade associations are your saving grace. In a world where corporate life meets nonprofit, there is not much that a trade association does not do. From engaging with members to lobbying on the hill in hopes of friendly legislation, trade associations keep you on your toes.
As an intern for The Fertilizer Institute, a member-focused trade association that represents the fertilizer industry, I have had the opportunity to experience the trade associations in all of their glory. At first, I was daunted by the frequency of meetings, which there are hours upon hours of. But I realized that the meetings are what make TFI and other trade associations such a collaborative place to work.
In addition to the friendly environment, there are many other perks that come with the job—my favorite, the endless coffee. Whether it’s 9 a.m. and you’re just arriving at work or it’s 6 p.m. and you have stayed too late, the coffee machines are always going. Fortunately, it doesn’t just end with coffee. In any fridge, of which there are many located throughout the office, you can find Coke Zero, Diet Coke, a variety of seltzers, and water bottles.
While the office perks may be an impactful aspect of the job, the work itself is also important. Despite having definitive roles, the work you encounter at a trade association is ever-changing. You will often find lobbyists assisting in communication efforts, communications folks working with the events team, and association executives brainstorming ideas to increase impact. There is NEVER a dull moment.
One of the most critical aspects, if not the most, is the foundation on which associations are built. Because many of them are member-focused, relationship-building is often the highest priority. That said, in and out of the office, relationships are everything. Whether we’re hosting events or meeting with members, there is always an opportunity to expand your circle—building meaningful relationships that keep the work interesting.
If you are looking to enjoy what you do, who you work with, AND who you work for, I believe trade associations are one of the not so many places where you can consistently find that. If I have done my job right and ultimately convinced you to hop on the trade association train, you can find nationwide opportunities with trade associations at asaecenter.org.
Devin Stout
The Fertilizer Institute
Washington, D.C. | spring 2026