MONEY

5 Benefits to Joining a Professional Organization

Rebecca Shireman

I don’t have the scientific research to prove this, but I know that most women are “super busy.” When I ask a friend or colleague how she is, the most common response is “busy,” followed perhaps by an explanation summarizing all that is going on in her life both, professionally and personally.

So why add to your ever growing to-do list by joining a club or professional organization?

The simple answer is because of all the advantages that a club or organization will offer to you and your career. Besides learning more about your field and staying up-to-date on the latest information and advancements – professional organizations, civic organizations and clubs can enhance your personal development. I’ll share five ways that I have benefited from being a part of these types of organizations and how you can too.

• Improve your network. We all know how important networking is to your professional goals. Making connections is critical and joining a professional organization, not only looks good on your resume, but also creates relationships with people in your profession, connecting on a local level to enhance support and help one another.

• Leadership development. Organizations often offer programs that help train members for effective community service and leadership in the areas of advocacy, communications, negotiation, consensus building and strategic planning.

• Community impact. Most organizations coordinate socially conscious initiatives to support community efforts such as food drives, beach cleanups or other volunteer work. Before you join, ask what causes they support or how members give back to the community. Consider what causes or efforts are vital to you and are needed in the community. Giving back can be the greatest reward.

• New friends and opportunities. Believe it or not, professional organizations help you make friends and you’ll have fun too! You have the ability to meet other like-minded people in a social and supportive setting.

• Stay inspired and motivated. Colleagues in your organization will help keep you focused on achieving something fresh and new for your business and yourself, and boost your confidence. You may find a mentor or you may become a mentor to someone else, both of which can sharpen your skills and benefit both of you with the experience and knowledge that you share.

In my own experience, I have greatly benefited by joining several organizations including the Junior League of South Brevard, Inc. Women in the Junior League are trained to become leaders who recognize a deficiency in a system such as education or healthcare and take action because of the skills obtained through membership.

Through my experience in this and other organizations like weVENTURE, I have gained the ability to identify a pressing problem facing the community and then craft a solution in collaboration with community partners. These skills have all translated to my professional career and have opened opportunities for me in many capacities. From the smallest task of creating an agenda for a meeting to forming strategic partnerships – organizations can teach you the skills you need to enhance your career and form strong ties to the community.

Look around our community — there are plenty of organizations for you to join. Whether you are interested in strengthening your network, furthering your career or finding a few like-minded friends, professional organizations can be an intelligent option for you.

Rebecca Shireman is the assistant public relations manager at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. She is currently on the board of directors of weVENTURE, the Brevard Cultural Alliance and The Haven for Children Guild. She is an active member of the Junior League of South Brevard, Inc., Melbourne Alumnae Panhellenic and volunteers with various other organizations throughout the community. She is the recipient of Lead Brevard’s 4 Under 40 award, Junior League’s Spirit of the League and the ABWA’ s Making a Difference award.

Columnist series sponsored by weVENTURE, powered by the Florida Institute of Technology. weVENTURE has locations in Melbourne, Rockledge and Orlando. The Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. For more information, visit weventure.org or call 321-674-7007.