Professional Affiliations:  “An organization or group a person belongs to based on involvement in a particular profession.”

As I have regularly discussed and encouraged professional development and keeping an accurate life-long record of where you have worked…your education credentials…special achievements and awards; I realize one area that I have “skipped-over” is identifying Professional Affiliations.  You all know what I am referring to.  I mean having a membership with organizations like:  Chambers of Commerce, alumni groups, education associations, Farm Bureau…and the list goes on.  And in most instances their value comes out during a job search action or career change.  Specifically Professional Affiliations are most often listed on resumes to demonstrate one’s involvement in personal development beyond a day job.

This week’s TRIPLE III TIME message however will go beyond just words on paper and focus on the “action value” of maintaining Professional Affiliations.  During my career I can not even guess the never-ending benefits I have obtained from my Professional Affiliation networks!  Example benefits include basic sharing and learning about new ideas, extending interests in a professional growth area, participating in a cool event and/or just obtaining independent advice on an issue or problem.  These are not just stagnant, readable benefits…they are activities that show how your Professional Affiliations are a vital part of your ever growing/changing career.

It is also important NOT to minimize any personal growth/development group you are or HAVE BEEN part of.  Being involved in a church choir, joining the FFA, becoming a band or National Honor Society member…and on and on!  You will never know when or where one of your Professional Affiliations (old or new) may help you.

Bottomline:  Take stock of your TOTAL Professional Affiliations.  Take action to appreciate their written and action value.  Finally keep building your Professional Affiliations in a diverse way…the benefits are endless.