Mid-Career Professional | Career Stage
Career Stage

Mid Career Professional

Marks a critical phase where technical expertise merges with the ability to make strategic contributions. Professionals at this stage balance operational responsibilities with driving organizational goals and innovations.

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WHAT SKILLS DO EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR?

Read the Workforce Development Survey

DICTIONARY OF PROCUREMENT TERMS

The comprehensive reference for public purchasing terms and concepts.

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NSITE - ONLINE MEMBER COMMUNITIES

Connect with other procurement professionals to ask questions and get answers.

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ONLINE DOCUMENT LIBRARY

Get easy access to thousands of solicitations, RFPs, RFIs and much more, and save time and money for your entity.

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How to Get Started:

1. BUILD YOUR CAREER PLAN
NIGP’s Pathways Concierge progam helps you with your career goals, helping identify the best professional path forward in terms of programming and coursework using the NIGP Pathways program.  CONTACT THE CONCIERGE PROGRAM

2. EARN YOUR PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ASSOCIATE DESIGNATION (PPAD)
If you haven't already, earn your PPAD. Allow 3-6 months to complete the 3 certificates (11 competencies). It is important that you provide yourself with ample time to practice skills learned. The PPAD comes in various delivery formats.  CHOOSE THE ONE THAT'S BEST FOR YOU >

3. REGISTER FOR COURSES AT A MEMBER-DISCOUNTED RATE
Focus on Specializations and/or Advanced Courses to build more advanced skills.

4. JOIN THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Consider being a Mentee in NIGP’s mentoring program. Consider this program at any stage of the learning process as it is flexible and can provide additional guidance.  LEARN MORE >

5. JOIN AN ONLINE MEMBER COMMUNITY
Our communities connect you with other procurement professionals, to ask questions, get answers, share resources and best practices.  Open to NIGP Members. JOIN A COMMUNITY >

6. GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER
When you become a member in a local NIGP chapter, you gain access to a local network of procurement professionals who can help you advance in your career, develop critical leadership skills, and create change that positively impacts your community.  SEARCH OUR CHAPTER DIRECTORY > 

7. ATTEND NIGP FORUM
Each year at NIGP Forum, we have sessions devoted to mid-career professionals.  Whether you attend virtually or in person, NIGP Forum is where to be to learn, connect, and be inspired by the greatest minds in public procurement.  LEARN MORE >

8. START PREPARING FOR CERTIFICATION
Begin preparing for a Certification to demonstrate your skills. NIGP recommends the NIGP-CPP Certification; however, there are additional certifications available by other organizations to consider.