Linje Rivers: Advantages of Joining a Professional Association

Almost every career field has professional associations. You can join an association when you are still enrolled in school, or after you have graduated. Joining a professional association will help you in so many ways.

The advantages of joining a professional association include:

1. Networking opportunities

Networking is an essential tool needed for career growth. Many professional associations have professional development or regional networking events which can help you to learn more about what is happening in your sector and also to make new contacts. National conferences held by professional associations can also offer networking and research opportunities. Joining a professional association can give you the opportunity to find a mentor that can help you with your professional needs and you will also be able to mentor young members.

2. Broaden your knowledge

Many professional associations provide access to resource information including; articles, books written by experts in your career field and case studies that can help you enhance your career. They can also provide awards for people who achieve excellence in their field, links to publications and scholarship information. You will have the opportunity to discuss new ideas and also dialogue with colleagues in order to obtain strategies to deal with professional issues. Many associations also offer seminars, workshops and online courses to help their members.

3. Professional recognition

Joining a professional association often shows that you have attained a level of expertise in your career field and it also add to your credibility. It also demonstrates that you are serious about your professional and career development.

4. Public relations

Professional associations have the resources to launch campaigns that can offer a more helpful and accurate description of the profession; the scope and the benefits. It also helps to eliminate any negative information that harms the profession.

5. Magazines

Many professional associations provide monthly or quarterly magazines which often has job listings available only to their members.

Joining a professional association is a great decision, it will help you to grow and also give you the opportunity to make impact in your chosen career field. It will help you to promote your field in the society and enhance your credibility as a professional.

Linje Rivers is a Senior Attorney from Tallahassee, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Accounting and Economics from the Morehouse College. He earned his law degree from the University of Florida in 2009. He is a member of the Florida and Georgia Bar Associations, Tallahassee Bar Association and Florida Bar Leadership Academy, among others.