This article is the first of six in a series dedicated to job search strategies and career management tools.
By Lise Stransky
Senior Associate, Employment Initiatives CAPPA
Founder, Careers That Work For You
It took a lot of convincing from a colleague for me to finally break down and buy a membership for my professional association a few years ago. It really shouldn’t have taken that much effort. But I had figured that since I had my degree, my post graduate certificate, my job and years of work experience in my field, there was no reason to spend the money. I’m a mid-career professional with a fairly solid network, insatiable curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning – all great qualities for managing a career. Why would I bother with a professional association membership? It really wasn’t high on my list of priorities. I don’t work in a regulated profession like an engineer, nurse or accountant, where membership is mandatory and critical in order to be able to practice. And seriously, what value would it bring me?
But my colleague kept hammering away at me, offering persuasive arguments as to why I should join (little did I know at the time he was on the marketing committee for the association!). Eventually, I considered and caved (either I got tired of listening to him, or he did a good job of convincing me it was worth it–my memory is a bit hazy on those details). I asked my employer if they would consider covering the membership fee. They said yes. I downloaded the application form, diligently filled it out, and mailed it off along with the payment.
For the price of a monthly latte, I now had access to relevant industry information, a listing in the member directory and access to an exclusive job board. I also received discounts on preferred vendors and professional development, and gained the opportunity to meet and network with hundreds of like-minded professionals.
My shiny new membership card and certificate arrived in the mail. I filed the membership card away. I bought a frame at the dollar store and hung my certificate in my office. I added my membership status to my resume. I added it to my LinkedIn Profile too. And that’s about it. In those first few years of membership, I really didn’t do anything. I may have scanned the weekly and monthly newsletters and taken the odd seminar but, other than that, I did not take full advantage of what the association had to offer.
Then I had to start paying the membership fee myself.
That was a game changer.
There are lots of reasons to join and maintain membership in a professional association. I suppose the simplest, most compelling reason boils down to this:
My education and experience gave me the tools to get started in my career.
My membership in a professional association gives me the tools to continue building my career.
When I had to start paying for membership out of my own pocket, I took a very close look at what I was getting for my dollar, if it was worth it, and if it contributed to my career management and career health. I also decided it was time to start using my memberships as more than certificates in my office, a section on my resume and LinkedIn profile.
I’ve come to realize that my professional association memberships are a critical tool in my career management toolbox. Not only do they demonstrate to my clients, my current and future employers that I am committed to my profession, but they also demonstrate that I am committed to a professional code of ethics, lifelong learning and keeping current in my industry.
In my field of work as a career practitioner, I am not required to hold these professional memberships. But after my pro and con analysis of the value for my dollar, I did decide they were worth it. I have a network of professionals in my community around the country and the world, professional development opportunities, access to job postings, volunteer opportunities and discounts on preferred vendors, conference and courses. Not only that but I pay more attention to the newsletters I receive, as they keep me current with industry trends.
No longer is my professional association membership simply a certificate on my wall in my office. It is a tool I leverage for my career management. It is a tool I use to keep current in my industry. I access the discounts available to me, and make sure I network with other professionals. That, in my opinion, is good value for my career management dollar.
