Why Professional Trade Associations are Important for Your Career

The recent article, How Professional Groups Can Boost Your Career, discusses the importance of involving yourself in industry groups. It is very important to interact with people in your industry not only for building new relationships, but also for branding yourself. In addition, recruiters often look to these associations for job candidates.

"Bob Hatcher, president of Chicago area-based Executive Network Inc., estimates that 40 percent of the candidates he places into jobs are identified through trade groups."

"Along with being a constant blip on a recruiter's radar, being in a trade association allows people to connect with others in the same field. This can lead to referrals and other useful insights about the industry. Networking groups provide similar advantages."

The article further explains the following:

Joining the right organization can help you build your brand along with other benefits such as:

• Allowing you to demonstrate your commitment and display your leadership skills by becoming an officer in your local chapter;
• Improve your job skills through association courses, seminars and publications;
• Learn about jobs and opportunities before they hit the mainstream job boards; and
• Get yourself published to create name recognition and find similar opportunities on a larger scale.

Take the time and effort to join one or more industry association. Better yet, get involved in a leadership capacity. You won't regret it.

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