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Networking Tips: 3 Tips for Getting Involved with Professional Organizations

Networking plays a key role in both job search and career development. And getting involved with professional organizations provides one of the best opportunities for networking and making lasting connections. Here are three important tips to consider for getting involved with professional organizations:

1. First determine your primary objective for participating in professional organizations. For example, is it to make business connections? Are you looking for ways to volunteer and help in your local community? Or do you want educational opportunities to learn more about your industry through seminars, classes, and certifications? Since you have a limited amount of time, focus your networking efforts on the organizations that best meet your needs and objectives.
2. Check out as many professional organizations as possible. Once you’ve determined your primary objectives for joining organizations, the next step is to find the groups that best fit your interests and professional goals. So take a look at several organizations and attend a couple of their meetings and/or sponsored events before joining. That way, you can get a good idea of the skill of the leadership, as well as how supportive the members seem.
3. Hold leadership or volunteer positions in organizations. Although you may not be able to hold a leadership position when you first join an organization, you can likely get involved right away by volunteering at events or participating in a committee. Not only is this an important way to increase your visibility, but it also gives you the opportunity to give back to the organization and its members.

Be sure to check out our Networking Events for some local professional organization’s upcoming events that can provide you with the perfect opportunity to start getting involved.