I get it. You're busy. You're on a budget. You want to have a life outside of work. Still, you want to build your career and make a difference in your field but how are you supposed to do that when time is so short and you're trying to have a little fun while making a name for yourself in your industry? Join an association or a networking group? Which one? You have a lot of choices and you need to think about the investment and what it will get you.

As an engineer, architect, general contractor, business development professional or corporate strategist, if you want to grow in your career and become a giant in your field, you need to think about the future of construction and what stakeholders will need to maintain the health of the industry. Then, you need to make a decision about where you can make the biggest impact.

Is your interest in green building technologies? A good choice for you might be the U.S. Green Building Council. Are you an aspiring architect in New York City who dreams of designing one-of-a-kind masterpieces in luxury enclaves? You might be better served to join The Architectural League of New York, where you might meet with wealthy investors and famous designers who will fund your fantastic visions.

If, however, you are interested in getting involved with an organization whose mission is to transform the entire industry through collaborative, integrated design and construction, then DBIA could be your best investment. DBIA member design and construction professionals including architects, engineers, specialty contractors, owners, consultants, lawyers, business development professionals, students and teachers are committed to improving design and construction processes from the ground up.

As a DBIA member you will be exposed to professionals from all facets of the business and have the opportunity to learn first-hand how requirements from different stakeholders and diverse trades affect the way you work. You will learn how implementing design-build best practices foster innovation, reduce costs, and shorten delivery schedules. You can use your training and experience to contribute to the knowledge base, and if you are looking for an opportunity to effect real change through organizational change and legislative action, then DBIA can open those doors for you. Take a moment to review the website and get a feel for the training, knowledge repository, and wealth of human capital DBIA offers. We welcome you.

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