Professional organizations can provide big benefits

Joining a professional association can be of great benefit to any employee. Here are a few to consider: • Networking: I worked for a large corporation when I first joined NOARK, which is a chapter affiliate of the national Society for Human Resource Management. That membership opened doors with HR professionals from a variety of industries. It was validating to see that we shared some common best practices and enlightening to learn new methodologies. Other benefits included the mentoring of experienced professionals willing to share advice on resolving difficult issues. When stumped by difficult questions on the job, I could call other members who would know the answers.

• Professional growth and development: Professionals must keep informed of industry trends to remain relevant. While traveling to distant conferences or seminars may prove difficult, most professional organizations conduct monthly membership meetings featuring expert speakers. This fosters development in a time-efficient, low-cost manner and often satisfies a portion of continuing-education requirements for members holding certifications.

• Develop leadership

skills: The business of a professional association is conducted by the membership. Elected or volunteer leaders are responsible for planning, coordinating and conducting the monthly meetings. The skills required to lead a group of volunteers are different from those required to lead direct reports. The volunteers — committee members — can’t be disciplined or fired, so one learns to lead through collaboration and influence.

• Advocacy: Professional associations often have an advocacy branch that serves to advance business concerns to local and national lawmakers. As a member of an advocacy committee, the business professional can provide feedback to the legislators regarding the consequences of proposed laws or regulations.

Professional organizations provide all these things and more. Personal gains have included honing my skills in project management and practicing my public speaking skills.

I now have a network of professionals who provide both support and friendship.