|
 Why
should I consider joining a professional organization?
Don Schmitz/Human Resource Staffing
People often ask me, “Why do you share all the information
about HR Professional Organizations in your “Got HR”
Newsletters? My answer is people prefer to work with people
they know and like.
But membership can be expensive--is it really worth it? Absolutely,
Professional HR Organizations can help you improve your skills
and advance your career in a variety of ways.
Here are a just a few of the many good reasons to join one or
more organizations:
1. Meet other HR Professionals. Networking is important for
any professional, but especially HR where we work with few associates
that perform similar functions. Meeting HR professionals locally
and nationally will expose you creative solutions you can apply
immediately in your work.
2. An opportunity to rub elbows with the best. Professional
organizations provide an environment in which HR professional
can interact with other HR Professionals who have been working
in the field much longer. Professional organizations are a great
way for those just starting out in their careers to make connections
in their industry and find mentors. Interacting with people
who have made a mark in HR may open doors for you, both now
and later.
3. Get involved. Individuals who take an active role by volunteering
for committees, writing articles for association publications
and delivering presentations are able to strengthen their leadership
abilities, interpersonal skills and business acumen.
4. Continue your education. Take advantage of the educational
and certification programs offered by industry organizations.
Doing so will help you enhance your expertise, marketability
and earning power. You can also earn (HRCI) credit hours for
attending many of the workshops and seminars.
5. Stay current. Nearly all professional associations offer
newsletters which will keep you up to date on current events
affecting your profession. Involvement in HR organizations will
help you remain up-to-date on the latest developments in your
field and gain insights that will enable you to make a greater
contribution to your organization.
6. Network without pressure. Attending association meetings
will enable you to interact with experienced professionals in
a more comfortable manner. People are typically more friendly
and willing to share information in this casual atmosphere.
7. Leverage the role. It's perfectly acceptable and encouraged
to include volunteer work on your resume. Hiring managers look
for meaningful volunteer experience and a true connection to
your line of work when making decisions. Don't be shy about
touting what you've done within your professional organization.
For a list of the professional HR organizations in the Twin
Cities area, go here.
Back to the library
Reproduction
of this article cannot be accomplished without the expressed
consent of Human Resource Staffing. Don Schmitz is a popular
speaker and writer on all aspects of HR and CEO of Human Resource
Staffing. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration
and Human Development.
Contact Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
952
854 6040
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