So, Do You Take Part In Your Professional Association?
In early April, I along with a number of my career coaching colleagues, will be offering our knowledge and services at the Project Management Institute of New Jersey’s (PMI-NJ) semi-annual career fair. PMI-NJ has been hosting a career fair for its members for many years now, and about 3 years ago turned it into a twice yearly event. The chapter leaders and event planning staff realized that in their profession, a number of individuals can be between assignments at any one time. Project management assignments often come on a contract basis. So, when the contract ends, the project manager is in search again. Having the ability to meet with coaches and recruiters, and get guidance on how to formulate their search is of great value to their members.
The Project Management Institute is not the only professional association in existence. In fact, most major professions or disciplines have a professional association. As a professional coach, I belong to my professional association, the International Coach Federation (ICF). For our New Jersey chapter I have served in the past as an officer, been a regular attendee at monthly chapter meetings, and have developed a network of coaching colleagues from my involvement.
When I begin working with many of my clients, I will ask them if they are a member of their professional association. Some will say yes, and some will say no. Others will say they were at one time but did not renew their membership. Often individuals say to themselves, I pay dues, but what does my association do for me? Here are some thoughts in answering that question.
A professional association is often made up of those in the profession that are currently working and those that are not. Sometimes those that are working may know of openings in the profession at the company at which they work. Who better to recommend than chapter members they get to know on a regular basis. Professional associations usually have monthly meetings and guest speakers on a topic related to the profession. This keeps members up to date on new trends which are happening in their industry, and in turn alerts them to the skills they may need to add or keep up to date to take advantage of those trends. Associations may have other benefits, such as not only local chapter meetings, but national and international conferences. An active participant in a professional association can develop an impressive network of fellow professionals. They can become referral partners to possibly interact business. They may know of others in the profession, when your company is looking to hire. And, most of all, when one finds themselves in transition, they become a starting networking point, in helping one to find their next opportunity.
If you were to say, my profession does not have a professional association, or they do not have an in-person chapter near me, there are still potential options open to you. For example, is there a professional association in a complimentary profession? Nine years ago my brother-in-law, when out of work, joined a professional association of financial professionals. He is a Credit Manager. When 2 members of the association heard about an opening for a Credit Manager at a local company, guess whose name they recommended? My brother-in-law has been working for the same company since then.
Another option in today’s digital world are “Meet-Up groups.” If unfamiliar with them, they are groups of individuals that form a group to get together, that have members who share a particular interest. Those interests could be professional, or they could be personal. Again, the point is they allow someone to become a part of a group of people who can become a network of colleagues who both help enhance your knowledge of your field or interest, but also may know of opportunities for which you may be the answer for someone in need.
So, do you take part in your professional association? If you do not, will you consider doing so? And, if you are a member, but have not been actively involved, will you look to become more active and take advantage of the benefits it may offer you?
