Back to Basics: 5 Benefits to Joining a Professional Association
With the number of responsibilities that we juggle on a day-to-day basis, it’s likely safe to assume that joining a professional member-based organization is fairly low on the priority list. It might even be hard to imagine that anyone would voluntarily sit through more meetings and activities after a full day of meetings at work. But the reality is that joining a professional organization will provide an invaluable wealth of knowledge, resources, and opportunities that you are otherwise missing out on.
1. Professional Development
One of the greatest opportunities that professionals can find in an organization is the chance to invest in their professional development. Membership-based organizations provide members access to training, research material, and industry insights to help you grow in your field. When you join an organization like this, you are putting yourself on the cusp of emerging trends in your industry.
2. Networking Opportunities
Expanding your Rolodex organically can be a long process. Professional associations provide better networking opportunities with people who are specifically in your industry. Whether you are looking to pursue employment opportunities, connect with other industry professionals, or even looking for a mentor within your profession, the networking opportunities are invaluable. The advantage of having networking opportunities within a professional organization is the potential wealth of resources and insight they could provide. The relationships you can build in a professional organization tend to be richer, giving you a deeper well to pull advice from.
3. Exclusive Online Resources
There’s nothing more exclusive than the “members only” online resources. With a membership to a professional association, you will have exclusive access to journals, articles, webinars, infographics, and message boards to add value to your professional growth and development. IAMC offers leadership training with our Leadership Development Program. This program enhances your personal and professional leadership skills. Once our members graduate this program, they are recognized as proven leaders who contribute to IAMC and their professions in significant ways.
4. Conferences
Yearly events and conferences are a great way to get to know your fellow members. Network at events to grow your contact list and connect with some of the brightest minds in your industry. With IAMC, members get priority access to events and webinars at a special rate to provide. IAMC provides plenty of opportunities for our members to get involved like Industry Groups, Committee Works, and the Recruiters Club. The more involved with an association you are, the more it will benefit your professional growth.
5. Education
Many professional associations provide opportunities for their members to educate themselves on the best practices in their industry. Events and conferences are great opportunities for education, but some associations provide more personal opportunities for self-education with workshops, seminars, and online courses with industry leaders who have years of experience.
How IAMC Can Help
The Industrial Asset Management Council is the leading industrial and manufacturing real estate trade association. We offer dynamic professional development, networking opportunities, and endless resources for members in the U.S. and abroad. IAMC members generate better value for their companies, empowering them to redefine the future of their industry. With our membership benefits, you can develop yourself as a professional in your industry. Contact us today to learn how your career will benefit from an IAMC membership.