Join a Professional Association
Read this article on the benefits of joining a professional association in your field.
If you are interested in furthering your career, joining a professional
association is a good start. There are associations for nearly every
profession or area of interest, and many have national, state, and
regional chapters available to join. An association is a synergistic
group, meaning that the effect of a collection of people is greater than
just one person. So, how exactly can becoming part of this synergistic
group help further your career goals? Here are some benefits of joining
an association.
Enhance Your Network
Creating professional relationships is important for most people, and joining a group gives you a sense of security and trust. From this, you are able to support and help one another in reaching your professional goals. Associations sponsor numerous events throughout the year that allow you to connect with your peers. You can share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker, or become a member of a committee. Since most associations have national or local conferences, you can participate and have the opportunity to learn about breaking news in your career, learn "best practices" or new ideas, hear about key achievers in your field, and also meet and brainstorm with others who are also looking to share and learn new information.
Another benefit of
enhancing your network is that you may find a mentor to help you with
your professional needs, or you may be in a position to become a mentor
to someone else. Giving back can be the greatest reward and benefit.
Participating in forums, chat groups, or discussion boards sponsored by
the association is also a great way to grow your network. This allows
you to use your peers as sounding boards and often make some great
friends with the same interests as you.
Take Charge of Your Career
Another important reason to consider membership to a professional organization is to take advantage of their career resources. Associations often have job listings online or in print available only to their members. This is a great way to find targeted job postings for your area of interest. Additionally, many associations have career resources available such as tips on effective resumes or cover letters, job searching strategies, and negotiating techniques. Some associations even have panels of experts that you can contact for specific questions on career issues.
Other
benefits include information about seminars, training, or certification
classes that may be suitable for you. Often these classes can be done
through web- or podcasts, so you do not even have to leave your home. And
don't forget, listing your association membership on your resume is
impressive to current or future employers as it shows that you are
dedicated to staying connected in your profession.
Broaden Your Knowledge
Most associations provide an enormous amount of access to resource information, such as case studies, articles, white papers, and books written by experts in your field or area of interest. Also, major journal, magazine and newsletter access is provided as a part of your membership privileges.
Another reason to join an association is to learn more or stay informed about issues in diversity. For example, Academic360.com includes a list of associations and articles that provide valuable information, such as resource guides for diversity, affirmative action, and advocacy, as well as information on new and proposed regulations related to diversity. Additionally, associations provide a source for scholarship information, links to publications, and awards for persons achieving excellence in their field. No matter what your field is, staying on top of all of these issues is important.
So, whether you are looking to learn about
job postings in your field, network in your professional community, gain
access to current events in your career area, or just have some fun
while meeting new people, joining a professional association is a step
in the right direction!
Source: Kelly A. Cherwin, https://www.higheredjobs.com/articles/articleDisplay.cfm?ID=157
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.