APU Careers Careers & Learning

5 Reasons to Join a Professional Organization

By Tiffany Young
Manager of Public Relations for
APUS
Online Career Tips Guest Contributor

You’ve heard the saying, “You get what you put in.” The same philosophy goes for joining a professional organization. From truck drivers to lawyers to teachers, just about every industry wants to promote the professional as a whole, position individuals as thought leaders, and provide professional development.  If you join an organization and help in the effort to reach these goals, you can benefit as well.

Is joining a professional organization right for you? Although every organization is different, the short answer is: yes. If you are just starting in your career, many professional organizations offer scholarships and career mentors for those in entry-level positions. They can also offer insight into how the industry works and how to navigate it, as well as professional development opportunities.

For those in mid-level careers, professional organizations can offer leadership opportunities and job advancements when seeking a career change, professional growth, or career satisfaction. Participating in professional development is rewarding and can assist you working your way up to your next promotion or re-evaluating your career choices and direction.

Here are five reasons to join a professional organization:

  1. Jobs: Looking for a job can be a job, but many professional organizations have job listings just for members. Some can serve as a reference.
  2. Mentoring: Professional organizations have the ability to connect you with someone more experienced or with specific expertise.
  3. Professional Development: Many organizations offer professional development via courses, workshops, publications, and information on their website shared only with members. They also keep members up to date on industry trends.
  4. Networking: Most organizations have an annual conference. This is an opportunity for you to mingle with others in your field in both professional and leisure settings. There is also often a job fair where you can make contact and stay up to date with people who hire – even if they’re not hiring right now. In fact, some people find recruiters follow their career and stay updated when you stop by their booth at the job fair.
  5. Scholarships: Many offer scholarships to the new members studying to enter the field or to professionals looking to advance their careers.

 

About the Author:

Tiffany Young is the manager of public relations for American Public University System. She has more than seven years of experience in media relations, event management, and public relations. She earned a certificate in Public Relations from the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies and received a B.A. in Mass Communications from Virginia State University.

 

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