Your Professional Association: To Join or not to Join?

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By Frances N. Chaves

If you’re looking for work but aren’t sure whether to invest in a professional association membership, here are some ways that a professional association can help your search.

  • Networking. Meet and mingle with peers and leaders in your field at meetings and conferences. Members can usually access their association’s membership list, a wonderful way to identify individuals at your target employers.
  •  Local chapters. Most associations have chapters that host events. Attend these events to meet local leaders in your field.
  •  Demonstrate professionalism and commitment. Association membership stands out on your resume.
  • Training and continuing education. Offered by associations to members at discounted rates or for free, continuing education demonstrates commitment and up-to-date knowledge of your field. Since the pandemic, continuing ed is offered not only at association conferences, but also as webinars.
  • Career Centers. Members tend to list their job openings on their associations’ Career Center webpages. These niche job opportunities are targeted at people with your skills. Many associations allow members to post their resumes on their sites, and provide job search assistance like resume review, coaching, and job search articles.
  • Conference presentations. Showcase your expertise with a great presentation at an association meeting or conference. Keep track of calls for proposals and what topics your association’s conferences are covering. Submit a proposal to present—if accepted, your presentation is a great platform for self-promotion.
  • Tax deductible! If you are self-employed or a business owner, professional association dues can be deducted as a business expense via Schedule C if membership is ordinary and necessary for your trade and business. Indeed provides a helpful list of “57 Professional Associations to Join to Boost Your Resume.”

About the Author:

Frances N. Chaves is a former PSGCNJ member, currently Writer/Editor for The Electrochemical Society and freelances writer for nonprofits, private schools and other clients.