Go Where The Action Is

I am not a joiner by nature.  I have always known that there are associations I should join to advance my career, expand my network and keep current on new trends.  And, I am not a joiner by nature.  When people have asked whether I belong to this association or that, I generally say 'I know I should, but I don't.' 

I'd like to say that this is OK when things are going smoothly and I'm humming along in a job, but it's not.  Staying connected and current is critical not only to moving around between jobs but also to keeping up with what's happening in your field.  It's also a great way to network.

A case in point...

Yesterday I attended a conference sponsored by NJACE - the New Jersey Association of Colleges and Employers, a group dedicated to building relationships between colleges and employers.  The majority of those present were career counselors and directors of career centers from colleges and universities throughout the state.  There were presentations and discussions on the green job market, opportunities in biotech, transportation and logistics, and a panel discussion on how to counsel and prepare students with Asperger's Syndrome to enter the world of work.  Needless to say, I learned a lot. 

In addition to learning, it was a great opportunity for networking.  I reconnected with some people I'd met with during the past few months, I made contacts with people who were already on my network list who I hadn't yet reached out to, and I met a lot of new people.  I had the chance to hand out some of my newly designed business cards and to collect a few from others.  I now have a lot of work to do scheduling appointments with those who said they'd be happy to meet with me.  It was a much more pleasant way of connecting with people than trying to do it through e-mail or phone calls.

It also gave me the opportunity to check out the field.  Who are these other career counselors who work in colleges and universities?  Do I fit in?  Can I see myself working with these folks? 

If you don't currently belong to any professional associations, select one or two to visit.  What do I mean by visit?  You can often attend a meeting or conference for a nominal fee as a guest before you jump in with full membership dues.  You don't have to join 10 groups or associations.  Select one or two that closely relate to either the field you're in or the field you're trying to get into and consider joining one of them. 

I attended a workshop on LinkedIn, and while it was recommended that we join groups, it was also suggested that we be selective and only join those that we are ready to participate in through discussions and comments.  This is also true here.  Select groups or associations in which you want to participate.  The goal is to get yourself out there, meet new people and become known. 

So, go where the action is.  Join a professional association and hang out with people who have the potential to become your future boss or colleague.