The ability to learn and grow within any profession is critical to a long and vibrant career. Professional associations were founded to support their related industries and the individuals who work within them. Involvement in a Professional Association can help you learn and grow in your personal and professional life. When researching applicable Professional Associations for your field, it is wise to learn about the associations and the various benefits provided.
1.Professional Development
Growing in your career path personally and professionally is the primary reason many individuals join professional associations. Associations provide timely information relevant to the state of the profession through journals, magazines, and other professional publications online and in print. Association members generally receive benefits for publishing articles in their association publications with the added benefit of boosting their company, work or research and personal brand. Access to case studies and research is not only available in print but most associations host live webinars and conferences (virtual and in-person) that present targeted information focused specifically on key aspects of the profession.
Additionally, membership and volunteering within an association improve your resume and LinkedIn profile when these associations are included. It shows that you are committed to advancing in your career, helping to evolve your industry and developing useful skills. Most Associations provide their members discounted rates for conferences or have specific “members only” content such as journals, articles, webinars or training. Increased opportunities to become a speaker at a conference will advertise your company and personal brand, allowing you to be recognized as a leader within the industry.
2.Networking Opportunities
You may have heard the statement when job hunting, “It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know”. Involvement in a professional association is an easy place to make connections within your professional discipline, find mentors and learn about potential job opportunities. Make new connections at monthly social events, happy hours, professional dinner meetings, golf outings, etc. The more relaxed social settings provide a venue to chat with colleagues and friends about complex or ongoing projects, celebrate wins, and get advice on tricky work situations. They are great venues to share potential contacts and to become a resource for your fellow professionals. Associations help you make meaningful connections with like-minded individuals in your neighborhood and across the industry.
3.Personal Growth
Not every association you join needs to be directly related to the job that provides your primary income. Professional advancement can be found through various sources, joining an association related to what you are passionate about can provide personal fulfillment and still boost your resume. Skilled individuals can not only translate association-learned skills into their daily lives but tie everything together. Volunteering with a group supporting pets, the environment, a certain sport or teaching youth helps develop soft or interpersonal skills and provides meaningful connections you wouldn’t otherwise develop.
Opportunities to develop leadership and management skills ahead of the corporate ladder can be established sooner and more effectively in the Professional Association environment. Nearly all volunteer associations have a paucity of good folks willing to contribute and if you are willing to show up and contribute you can easily work your way into leadership positions within a local chapter or even achieve larger roles at the association level. To get the most benefit from a Professional Association, it helps to be actively involved; for example, serving on a committee, helping at events or generally volunteering.
AEG is always excited to welcome our new members and our new volunteers. Our association strives to provide immense value to all our members and we hope you utilize the many opportunities available within AEG. Associations can provide you with a wealth of information to help you advance both personally and professionally.