No matter which industry you are a part of, staying up to date with the latest trends and expanding your knowledge is crucial for career growth and success. Participating in continuing professional development (CPD) is not only a benefit for the company you work for, but also increases your potential to further your career and hone your skills within your chosen field.
Membership associations serve as valuable hubs for CPD, they offer various activities that professionals can use to develop their knowledge and keep up with continuous changes in their industry. Associations very often host workshops, seminars (both online and in-person) and conferences tailored to your area of expertise, which can provide a fantastic opportunity for CPD.
On top of workshops, many associations run training courses designed to help their members better understand the ins and outs of industry practices. It’s very often that accreditation or certification is offered as a part of these courses, which can open doors to career advancements. These certificates are not only something to add a bit of shine to your CV, they can also offer professional credibility, enhancing future career prospects.
As well as the obvious benefits you’ll receive from these CPD events and courses, they serve as excellent networking opportunities, giving you the chance to engage with other like-minded professionals. Associations create the stepping stones for their members to step outside of their comfort zone and make new contacts, allowing them to build a strong professional network.
Often overlooked, membership associations are usually home to special interest groups. These groups are used as a means to share tailored resources and discuss niche topics, that you may not usually share with your day-to-day co-workers. By actively participating in special interest groups, members can share their experiences with others and contribute towards the advancement of their field.
Let us know in the comments which membership association you are a part of and your favourite/most useful benefit of membership.