From the course: Administrative Professional Tips

Professional organizations

From the course: Administrative Professional Tips

Professional organizations

“

- Have you ever noticed that many working men and women in a variety of industries are members of professional organizations? They often attend meetings and conferences that these organizations put on in a effort to enhance their skills and increase their networking capacity. These same type of organizations exist for administrative professionals, and it is important to join them. As a member, you gain a wealth of knowledge that will position you for greater levels of success. As an administrative support professional, it is important to not only me but my organization as well that there are resources that provide the most up to date information to do my job effectively. I also want the opportunity to network with other like-minded professionals in my field. This is so important so that you can share resources, not operate in isolation, and continually and develop. Without access to relevant and current information, it becomes that much harder to compete and strive for excellence in your daily work. One such organization is the American Society for Administrative Professionals, also known as ASAP. ASAP membership is free and they provide a number of professional development resources such as a newsletter and regularly scheduled webinars. They sponsor an annual administrative professionals conference where they honor members who have made innovative contributions to the organization for which he or she works. Winners receive the organization's Eureka Award. I was fortunate to be the recipient of this award, and winning it has led to several opportunities that I would not have had previously. Since receiving the award, I have developed a relationship with the ASAP organization that led me to becoming one of their advisory council members, speaking at their annual conference, and conducting a webinar for all of their members on Administrative Professionals Day. Fostering and maintaining this relationship with this organization has helped grow my career. Another widely known professional organization is the International Association of Administrative Professionals, also known as IAAP. This organization provides excellent training and knowledge for the administrative support professional. They too have an annual conference where administrative support professionals can network and learn while visiting different places around the country. IAAP provides certifications that designate you as a certified administrative professional when you have completed the required prerequisites. I recommend doing so because it can help with pay increases, promotions, and subject matter expert recognition. It is extremely beneficial for administrative support professionals to join professional organizations that support them in their career. Membership lends credibility as you advance in your career and it helps you to grow in your chosen field. By pointing to this on your resume, others will know that you are serious about what you do and how you do it. I encourage you to join one or more of these organizations today.

Contents