Professional associations are good bet

Second Sunday Series – Editor’s Note: This is one of 12 columns on work in the trades appearing over 12 months – one each on the second Sunday of the month. Today we look at the role of professional associations for workers in the trades.

Question: What do members of the Fiber Optic Association, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, and the Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association all have in common? Answer: These people have chosen to join organizations designed to help workers in specified fields move forward in their careers.

Professional associations such as these are some of the most powerful allies any worker can have – which is why it’s surprising that more people don’t seek out and join them.

When workers in the trades shy away from these groups, perhaps it’s because the term “professional association” doesn’t feel like it includes them. If so, that may be due to our cultural relationship with the “P” word – profession, that is. For generations, we’ve associated “professional” with highlevel, white collar jobs that may require special licensing or training. Think lawyer, accountant or physician and you’ll be hooked into this cultural concept.

That’s an interesting phenomenon, given the dual reality that tradespeople are indeed professionals and, conversely, that lawyers, accountants and physicians are actually plying a trade.

That digression aside, the fact is professional associations can play a key role in helping individuals in the trades to explore, launch and maintain their careers.

Whether or not they are represented by a union, people in the trades should seriously consider joining a professional association in their field. Here are just five of the benefits they could reap.

1. Industry-specific training and certification. Training options offered by associations may range from workshops of a few hours to semester-long, creditbearing classes but they will always have one thing in common: A clear tie to the needs of employers in the industry.

2. Job postings and career boards. If you’ve ever wished you could learn about job openings before they’re posted more broadly, this is your chance. Employers often advertise first on an association’s job board with the understanding they will be reaching a motivated and relevant group of candidates.

3. Networking. The opportunity to connect directly with others in your field is simplified through membership in an industryspecific organization. Not only will everyone you meet be part of your field, but you may also be hobnobbing with more experienced people who can advise or mentor you.

4. Focused information on industry trends.

Is your work going to be affected by new regulations, climate change, or advances in technology? You can find out by reading the newsletter or online articles posted by your association.

5. Cross-training opportunities. If you volunteer to assist your professional association, you’ll get a chance to do things you might not be able to do on the job. Writing articles, teaching a class, mentoring others and leading committees are just a few of the tasks you can take on and add to your resume.

In addition to these benefits, members of professional associations may also have access to conferences, discounts on tools and equipment, reciprocity with other organizations, industry-specific career or legal advice, and a host of other offerings.

To find an association that serves your field, start by simply asking people you work with which organizations they recommend. If that doesn’t provide some groups, try these ideas:

■ Run an internet search by naming the field, your state, and the term “association”. For example, Plumber + Indiana + Association quickly yields the Indiana Association of Plumbing-Heating Cooling Contractors.

■ Check a reference guide or clearinghouse, such as the Encyclopedia of Associations or the American Society of Association Executives.

■ Ask a reference librarian to help you find related associations.

■ Use the federally sponsored site, www. CareerOneStop.org and enter “professional association finder” in the search box. Then, when the new page appears, type the name of your field into the new search box and click on the links provided to continue your exploration.

However you locate the associations serving your field, the next steps are clear: You need to review them and make a decision about joining at least one. And then? Show up. Because participating is the only real way to unlock the full range of benefits awaiting you.