Which professional associations should i join

A major benefit of a professional membership is that larger organizations can get discounts on things you need to offer, than what you have could have got on your own.

For instance, The Association for Computing Machinery, offers health insurance to its members. The plans are specifically designed for them and their families. They are not meant to cover a business or its employees and can see an entrepreneur through in the early days of starting a company. But professional membership is still one of the easiest ways to avail some types of insurance.

This includes life insurance, and even auto insurance. Sometimes you may be able to get liability insurance through a professional organization. Membership to a professional association may allow you specific benefits in some places, like hotels, clubs, gyms etc. This gives an added scope to interact with professionals from other industries, further building your list of contacts. But if this is the only reason you want to join a professional organization, check beforehand regarding the clauses, and whether they weigh heavy on you.

Most organizations make available at least some basic information and are usually open to discuss the membership details and privileges. A businessperson can join multiple professional groups. But how do you select which one will be the most beneficial for you? The process can begin by evaluating the primary objective of each organization. Here, evaluation means whether the objectives are aligned with yours. It should have a moral fiber which agrees with yours.

You may also want to know what it does with your personal information. Ensure that the association is recognized and well established within the industry. Also, chances are that in places where you want to name the organization as a reference, may not consider it in high esteem. A national-level organization can increase its membership and can remove all ideas of biasness towards any particular region. While a global organization can bring knowledge diversity, a local chapter can deal with the more micro issues.

Remember each area, right down to a specific city, has a material difference that varies within the profession. The professional origination must have a regular publication system. But the print media is equally important. The frequency of publication is important as well as the distribution.

Peer process review, good editing, quality content , original researches and established authors, can make a professional journal worth its name. Distribution of knowledge is a primary aim of joining a professional organization. A solid focus on its publication process is thus very important.

In a world where everyone is seeking online connections, having personal contact with influential people is a great way to get noticed and stand out from other job seekers. Build Your Resume: Adding your involvement in a professional association on your resume demonstrates to potential employers your commitment to the industry. Taking an active role within an association, such as volunteering or working on a committee, will also translate to additional skills and abilities, adding even more value to your resume.

Tap Into the Hidden Job Market: The hidden job market is comprised of those positions that are not yet advertised. By participating in a professional association you can uncover hidden job leads.

Get in front of employers before they decide to post for a job. How do you find a good professional association? Have a look at various association websites in your field.

Do they provide links specifically for job seekers? Are they trying to attract new entrants to the industry? Who are their member organizations? Would you like to add a Professional Association to this list?

Please send information on the association for inclusion. Previous Next. View Larger Image. It is always beneficial to your career if you take a few minutes to catch up on the latest healthcare news and industry developments.

The world of healthcare is constantly in flux, and being able to stay ahead of changes and new regulations can help you manage the uncertainty.

Getting involved in politics and policymaking, in general, is not something that appeals to most of us. Being a part of an organization that will represent your best interests is one way to ensure your voice is heard.

Whether the advocacy needs to occur at the federal, state, or local level, there is strength in numbers when trying to affect change. Your membership in a professional organization will also look good on your resume. It demonstrates that you are actively seeking to improve your career and can put you a leg up on your competition for a new job. Most associations also have resources to help you with professional development and tips for crafting a winning resume.

Plus, the professional network you have spent time developing will be there for you to provide support, recommendations, and even an extra set of eyes to proofread a resume for you. For a comprehensive list of nursing organizations, click here.

Granted, making a commitment to join a professional organization can seem a bit daunting. The key is to spend some time researching those that best match your specialty or practice area, and you will ultimately land on one that makes sense for you and your career goals.