Professional Associations - a valuable career resource
The current unstable job market means you may encounter greater difficulties in finding a suitable position via typical methods such as online job websites, newspaper advertising and recruiting agencies. Because of this, it is important to expand and capitalise upon your available resources. Recent figures show that up to 65 per cent of jobs are gained through the "hidden job market" - your networks of family, friends, lecturers, careers service staff, and so on. One important resource is the use of professional associations, which can provide numerous benefits in furthering your job search.
Professional organisations and industry bodies have a range of purposes and functions. They further the interests of the particular professional group or industry by servicing as a centralised ‘voice’ or advocate that communicates with government, other sectors and the public at large on behalf of members. They are often involved in research, policy and strategic development for the industry as a whole. They also regulate and guide the practice of professionals and may require certain standards of training and ethics for membership.
Professional organisations and industry bodies can also be involved in advising educational institutes on curriculum development, boosting the public profile of the profession and providing industry related information resources. Most professional organisations also provide ongoing professional development and training activities for members. These activities will be either specifically related to the discipline concerned or may be of a more generic nature. Many offer mentoring programs in which members can be paired with industry professionals who can provide advice on career development.
Professional organisations and industry bodies may take a number of different forms. Some may simply provide services to members for a fee. Others may oversee professional certification that indicates a member’s qualifications in an area. In other fields, membership of a particular professional body may be a legal requirement to be able to practice the profession.
