01 Aug 3 Reasons Why You Should Join a Professional Organization

By Jennifer Garrott, Marketing Coach

Life is busy, y’all. We work, we have families, we volunteer, we like to have fun and there are just not enough hours in the day. So, here I am asking you to add one more thing to your list. But, I cannot advocate enough for joining a professional organization. No. Not just joining one, becoming active in one. I have been a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), among other professional organizations, since the start of my career. I thank my first boss every day for setting me up with this group and getting me involved in a volunteer role. Over the years, I’ve served in a variety of capacities. The time I’ve given to the organization has come back one hundred times over. So, today I leave you with a few little nuggets of how joining a professional organization can help you (note that I said you and not just your career).

1. Resources. Of course, resources will vary depending on your field. An example of mine is that my local PRSA chapter provides each member with access to an online media directory. It’s a one stop shop where I can quickly find media outlets, points of contact and publishing information. Of course, I could find all of this information myself, but this guide saves me so much time and effort and it’s just one of the many resources provided.
2. Education. Most all professional organizations were created to further their profession. To that end, they offer a multitude of educational opportunities. Continuing with my PRSA example, not only do they host monthly educational luncheons, the national organization also provides access to on-demand webinars. They also further the profession through certification programs which push each member to continue honing their skills and provide them some pretty cool alphabet soup to put behind their name in return.
3. Networking. More important than the education (and that is really important) are the relationships that you will make through a professional organization. Having contacts in your industry that you can reach out to for advice comes in handy. Everyone in your industry faces the same challenges at one point or another. Foster these relationships. They will help you throughout your career (and life) more than you know.

Of course, each professional organization is different. The important thing is to get involved, continue learning and make friends. Your life and career will thank you. As a Marketing Coach at Germono Advertising Company, I can help you strategize which networking groups would be beneficial and help come up with ways you can provide value to that group. Email me to set up a free 30 minute consultation and we can chat more: Jennifer@Germono.com