Career Advice | The Benefits of Membership
Why joining a professional health care association is a smart move for
today's job seeker
Employers agree that joining a professional association is an excellent way
to make the most out of a career in the health care industry. Why? Because the
benefits of membership are endless, and they continue to multiply as medical,
health care and other related organizations develop new programs and
partnerships to better serve their members.
Networking opportunities
Many professionals say that the most valuable benefit of being in a
professional health care association is the opportunity to meet other members.
By joining a network of other professionals, members have direct access to their
peers as well as leaders in the field - an inner circle of professionals who
provide support and motivation in each other's professional endeavors. Younger
members often find guidance and mentor-like figures in the group. More
experienced members have the opportunity to share their experience and wisdom
with the younger professionals.
Professional health care associations and their programs promote a continual exchange of information and insight among members, providing the invaluable opportunity to learn from others in the field. Members often find new jobs, new employees, even new answers to professional challenges, with help from their fellow members.
More education
The educational value of networking is an important aspect of professional
growth in the industry, but health care associations also provide another
benefit that fosters learning among members: schooling. Most organizations offer
a full schedule of development courses throughout the year, and often at a
discounted rate for members.
Health care associations also are an excellent source of information on the latest medical technologies. With the Internet changing the business world, an endless list of health care software programs and the emergence of technology consultants in the medical industry, staying on top of the latest technologies is crucial. Associations are a great source of tech-related information for their members, keeping them up-to-date and giving them access to the latest news, resources and contacts in health care technology.
Current events
Technology is only one issue covered by professional associations for their
members; there are many more. Associations provide a direct, comprehensive
channel of all types of industry information, keeping their members up-to-date
on health care and medical news, industry trends and professional issues. They
often publish magazines and newsletters, as well as sponsor presentations by
industry leaders at special events. Most organizations also have a Web site,
providing 24 hour a day, 7 day a week information and resources on the industry
and the association.
In a time when the health care and medical industries are experiencing dramatic change, professionals need to know about the news that is changing their profession. Membership in an association provides that inside link to the latest updates and happenings, from Capitol Hill to Silicon Valley.
Discounts and deals
In addition to the wealth of information membership provides, it also may
proffer a bit of actual wealth. Members of professional associations are often
given substantial discounts from a wide variety of companies who have agreements
with the organization to promote products to its members. Companies that
commonly offer discount prices to members include insurance companies, travel
agencies, airlines, career-related consultants, a variety of publications and
even Web sites.
Giving back
Membership in a professional organization gives members a lot of value, but
it also provides numerous opportunities for professionals to give back to the
community and the profession. Members often volunteer time and resources with
student affiliate groups, charitable causes (many associations have established
educational foundations) and other volunteer events sponsored by the
association.
In addition to all of these advantages, there are the social benefits of membership. Special events such as black-tie galas, golf tournaments and awards dinners give members the chance to relax and enjoy time with their peers. Some will say that these social events are their favorite part of membership.
There are others who can't decide which benefit they prefer. The benefits in a professional health care or medical association are truly invaluable, and those discussed here are only the tip of the iceberg. The personal connections and professional achievements of members are priceless. Not only do members get the tangible benefits of membership, they also become part of a group that brings professionals together with similar interests, similar challenges and the similar desire to have a positive effect on each other and the future of the health care and medical professions.
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