Whether you’re just starting your degree or are about to launch your career, becoming a member of a professional association can help you get a step closer to fulfilling your career aspirations.
Most industry sectors in Australia have at least one professional association. These organisations strive to maintain high professional standards, ensuring ethical behaviour among professionals in their relevant field. They also provide forums for members to learn from each other, interact and network, as well as representing their members’ interests in the wider community.
Although services and benefits vary, many professional associations offer student memberships at a discounted rate, or even for free.
So, why join?
Build your industry knowledge – Members often have exclusive access to industry publications, research papers and online forums through their professional associations. This enables members to stay up to date with the latest industry research, news, trends and innovations.
Ongoing professional development – Many associations offer continuous learning opportunities through workshops, seminars, and forums for members. These opportunities enable members to enhance their knowledge and competencies throughout their careers. A bonus is that some professional memberships offer discounts on conferences, training programs and certification exams, which can result in significant cost saving for members.
Networking opportunities – Professional associations can provide platforms for face-to-face and online networking with industry experts, like-minded professionals, peers and, possibly, potential employers. Local, national and even international events, conferences, and online forums allow members to establish valuable and supportive connections, while sharing professional experiences. Remember, memberships often give you exclusive early bird access to these events at discounted prices.
Gain industry recognition – Being an active member of a professional association adds credibility to your professional profile. It demonstrates your professionalism through your commitment to ongoing learning and active engagement within your industry, adding important value to your resume. It also shows potential employers that you are serious and committed to a long- term career in your field. Tip, leveraging your professional associations on LinkedIn will help you broaden your professional reach and audience.
Stretch yourself through volunteer roles – Many professional associations encourage members to take on leadership roles within the organisation. Serving on committees, organising events, or working on special projects can give you the opportunity to try something new and give back to your profession. It also demonstrates your commitment to develop as a professional and a leader.
Whether accessing professional development resources, taking up opportunities to continuously learn, or actively cultivating your network, professional associations play a vital role in helping you create a visible and credible professional identity.
To find out more about professional association relevant to your chosen field, explore the Career Guide for your degree available in UniHub’s Resource Library.
This article was written by Career Development Consultant, Tania McKiernan.
