You got the degree and landed the job. Maybe, though, your career seems stalled. Are you looking for a way to move up the corporate ladder, or out of a rut? If so, maybe it’s time you joined a professional association.
What’s the best thing about a professional association?
Networking. And it’s not stand-around-at-a-cocktail-party, trying-to-make-small-talk networking. Belonging to a professional association is like having an instant group of friends, with at least one similar interest: You all work in the same field.So, what some other reasons should you join a professional association?
1. It’s easy to find one
Either Google it (i.e., “pharmacist professional associations”), or use this handy professional association finder developed by the U.S. Department of Labor. A quick search will bring you results for organizations in your career field.
2. You can give back to your community
Especially appealing to millennials, an age group that wants their work to have meaning, are opportunities for giving back. Many professional associations have subgroups that pride themselves on charitable and community-building efforts.
You might find yourself speaking at an elementary school, helping with a trash pickup day, or fundraising for a good cause. My niece, an optometrist, participates in a professional association that raises funds for guide dogs for the blind. If your association doesn’t already do good works, maybe you’re the leader they need to start something.
3. It’ll help beef up your resume
The more you can show a recruiter or interviewer that you’re connected to your career, the better. Listing a professional association demonstrates your passion and drive, as well as your involvement in the field. Recruiters love data, and seeing something like, “Co-chaired auction that raised $5,000 for guide dog program” will definitely stand out. Similarly, you can use leadership roles in a professional association (“Treasurer, 2017–2018: Converted organization’s record-keeping to QuickBooks”) to illustrate your skills.
If your resume and cover letter skills need work, many associations also have a “career resources” page on their website for tips on formatting resumes and writing effective cover letters.
4. You’ll boost your own technology skills
I was overwhelmed by social media until I began attending meetings of my local social media professional association. It helped me learn about the different platforms and what works best for me.
Millennials are the generation that has most embraced technology. If that’s your age group, you may find that a professional association is a place to use those technology skills and keep learning new ones.
5. You’ll make friends
Remember, you already have one thing in common with people who belong to your profession’s association: You work in the same…
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