“Man is a tool-using animal…Without tools he is nothing, with tools he is all” -Thomas Carlyle
Are you currently an active member of a professional association or group? Professional associations are one of the best tools out there if you are trying to stay in-the-know within your industry!
Why join a professional association?
Aside from the obvious networking possibilities with people in the same profession, which could lead to great opportunities, there are other benefits to joining professional associations. These include:
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Building new skills through online or in person workshops or webinars.
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Helping to shape the future of your occupation.
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Developing leadership skills through committee involvement.
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Staying ahead of trends in your occupation or industry.
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Getting inside information on jobs and internships.
If you are a seasoned professional exploring career changes, or a student expanding your career and industry awareness, joining a professional association should be a no-brainer. Students should know there are usually significant discounts for membership available to them.
Here is a great list of professional associations with links to each. Find a few that you can further explore and possibly join so that you can attend a national conference next year!
