Professional Associations and You

Professional associations are very similar to trade associations in that they are usually member-supported organizations that represent those who work within a certain industry. The only difference is that professional associations tend to be more white collar than blue collar, including careers known as professional careers such as lawyers, doctors and other similar fields. It's usually an easy matter to join a professional association. You may have to show some sort of documentation to prove that you are a member in good standing of that profession and there will be membership dues to pay, often annually.

Dues can vary in amount so it would be a good idea to compare the benefits to the cost of any professional association. Obviously a large, nationwide organization with many networking opportunities would be worth a higher fee than a local organization with a limited scope. This doesn't mean that you can only join one professional group, though. Many people find it beneficial to have both the local contacts and the national network to tap into. Getting to know the movers and shakers within your field is always a recommended career strategy. It increases your network and gets your name known in the industry.

A free career evaluation from RDG Careers can help you map out your complete career strategy and set your goals for where you want to go with your career. They are a professional job search firm but they also have much to offer to those who are already employed or practicing their profession. The career advisors there can help you find the top professional associations and figure out the direction you want to go with your career. Just watch their Satisfied Client Testimonials to get an idea of what they can do for you.

Trade associations – How do you join and why should you join?

Trade associations are usually member-supported organizations that represent those within a specific industry. Finding trade associations can be challenging at times, depending on what industry you are in. Some industries are represented by several trade groups which further complicate the issue. Visiting trade shows is one way to find groups and to find out more about what they offer. Most groups these days will have a website so doing a search online for “trade association + your industry” will often turn up some groups for you to check out.

Usually it's a relatively simple matter to join a trade association. You may have to show some sort of proof that you are employed in that particular industry and you will likely have to pay a fee, usually called “membership dues”. These fees are what help support the costs of the association and will generally be charged annually. Benefits of joining a trade association are numerous. Often there will be many networking opportunities as well as continuing education opportunities and even professional discounts.

The career advisors at RDG Careers know the value of trade associations and usually can guide you to finding the ones that would give you the greatest benefit. The firm participates in the largest career events such as the National Job Fair and has an extensive network across the spectrum of industry. With their customized career plans, they can help you map out strategies to help you reach your career goals. Finding and joining the right trade associations is a great strategy that can help increase your personal network and further your career.