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.

Unions - How Do You Join?

There are many benefits to a union, including better pay, more comprehensive benefits, stronger job protection, and a strong unified voice to speak on behalf of the employee. So with all these positives, you may be wondering how to get a union started, or how to join one. RDG Careers can help you with these answers; their educated career counselors are available at 350 Bay Street, Level 9, in Toronto, to assist you in your career development.

If you don’t have a union in your current workplace, RDG career counselors can help you contact a union organizer to help you get one started. There are many steps involved in creating a union from scratch, including finances, employee agreement, and legal logistics. This can be overwhelming at first, but with the assistance of a qualified RDG staff member, you can overcome this hurdle towards the creation of a union in your workplace.

If your current workplace already has a union in place, you should already have been given an opportunity to join. Not all unions are the same; some allow you the choice, whereby you are not required to join or pay dues. Some allow you the option to decline membership, however, you are still required to pay union dues regardless of whether you wish to join. Lastly, some require that once you become an employee, you must become a member of the union, and are subject to the same union dues as everyone else.

RDG Career counselors can help you determine whether a unionized work environment is the right choice for you.

RDG Careers - Can RDG help You?

Executive Careers

We all dream of getting that illustrious executive career. The one that comes with a fat paycheck, an expense account and a company car, driver included. We dream of dressing up in expensive suits, ties and jackets, and go to work in that corner office with a view. But how can we make this dream into a reality? How can we climb up the corporate ladder and proudly say that we’ve come a long way to the top?

Success in the corporate world doesn’t come easy. You have to work your way up, pay your dues, develop your skills and talent and put in more than the usual time required in the office. Yes the rewards can be great once you get that executive position you’ve been dreaming about for years. But there are more responsibilities and work load that come with that generous compensation package. Are you up for the challenge? Are you willing to do what it takes to reach the top of your chosen career?

If an executive career in Toronto is your dream, then RDG Careers can help steer you towards the right path to getting that corner office. RDG Careers is a Toronto-based professional services agency which offers career strategies and development plan to help you move closer to your goal. They have highly qualified career strategists who can help identify your core strengths as well as the key areas that need improvement. RDG Careers offers career advice on the skills and knowledge required for that executive position which you desire.

Listen to what satisfied customers have to say regarding the professional services offered by RDG Careers. The next success story just might be yours.

Career Counselling

At some point in every career there is a time when you are faced with the question of whether or not you are on the right career path. It is more difficult than just choosing an occupation; you consider what kinds of changes are happening in the workplace and what other things you might be able to do. Many people make the choice to change their entire career field,some people decide to go on to another avenue within the same field. There are many career choices that have qualifying skills that you may already have. Some career fields you may never even have considered as a potential match for your abilities. Regardless of what your final choice is, you can benefit by seeking the advice of someone that can help you.

There are several ways you can go about making your decision. You can research on your own or turn to a professional career placement firm. On your own you are guessing, but with a professional firm you are in touch with professionals that are involved with the career market every day. Most career placement firms handle both employees and employers as clients. This is definitely an advantage because these firms already know what it is that top employers look for. If you are in the Toronto Ontario area you might can contact RDG Careers. This form offers a free career evaluation and a consultation that will let you be in a position to decide if they are the right partner to help you change your career today.