Tip #20 - Join a Professional Organization
My mother used to caution me about the people I hung out with. If their character was “questionable,” she would warn me that I was destined to become like them — because our friends, and those we spend time with make an impression on our own character. I used to think she was just being a “naggy-old-mom”, but then I realized she was right! Our friends DO influence who we become!
If that’s true for you, then the question is: “are you spending enough time with the people you want to become?” If you are an Architect you need to spend time with others who share your passion for drafting and building buildings. If you are a marketing professional, you should spend time around other marketing professionals. If you are an engineer you will want to be around people who speak your same language and read the books, articles and blogs you need to read in order to grow in your professionalism.
But what if you are new to the profession and you know only a few people in your field? Where can you go to find others? Where do people in your field hang out and how can you meet them?
One of the best ways to meet people in your specific field is through a professional organization. Most professions have them. In fact, some require membership in order to maintain a license or qualify for career advancement. I recommend you find out which ones are most important to your field by talking to someone who has been in that profession for longer than 10 years. Another option is to conduct a web search to find out what is available. Most groups will allow you to sign up through their website and many have student rates if you are still in school or a recent graduate. A lot of these professional organizations hold monthly events, and some have smaller group sessions for networking and professional development. You will also find that most of them have a job board of some sort for people in your field who are looking to make a career change.
A great way to make a name for yourself in your profession is to volunteer in your professional organization! In every organization their is an 80/20 rule at work — 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. You can take advantage of the 80/20 rule by volunteering. Being part of the 20 percent will put you front and center of the organization where you will meet important leaders, other professionals, and potential employers. YOU should be part of the 20!
There are many reasons to join a professional organization: you will brand yourself as a professional in your field, you will grow in your knowledge and skill-set, and you will meet some people who could influence the direction of your career.