How Associations Can Help Your Career

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By Jason Hensel
Blog originally published April 15, 2013 on MPIweb.org 

A co-worker passed along an article the other day titled "10 ‘Sit Up Straight’ Exercises to De-slump Your Career." It included tips such as "make learning a priority," "adopt an attitude of gratitude" and "pay attention when people make suggestions."

One suggestion, though, really stood out to us: "Join an industry association." The article says that the "payoff in terms of networking opportunities, early insights on industry developments and heads-up on emerging opportunities will be invaluable."

Of course, we agree with that statement, and it’s not just individuals who benefit from joining industry associations.

"Membership in trade associations not only benefits employees of your company, but it also projects a positive image of your firm to your customers," said Betsy Demitropoulos, senior editor of American Business Magazine. "Membership in associations shows a business’ initiative, its engagement in a particular trade and its commitment to staying abreast of current developments in the market."

Staying abreast of current trends is one of the many valuable benefits of joining (or retaining) MPI membership.

"The value of joining an association, especially MPI, allows you access to 24/7/365 learning from more than 190 education sessions that can count toward clock hours for your CMP," said Brad C. Shanklin, IOM, MPI senior director of chapters and member services. "MPI also provides you with access to a 20,000-member global community comprised of powerful decision makers representing 67 percent of Fortune 100 companies. Through your membership, you can make crucial connections to people, ideas and marketplaces that can take your career and your business to the next level."

So, help take your career and business to the next level and please join or renew your MPI membership. And while you’re at it, consider volunteering with your chapter.