| Whether you are an electrician, a health care worker, | | | | Monthly newsletters keep you informed about what's |
| an entrepreneur, or a lawyer; almost every profession | | | | going on in your industry locally, regionally, nationally, and |
| has their own trade association. And a common | | | | around the globe. You'll be provided with new |
| question young professionals ask is, "Should I join my | | | | information on a wide range of topics and in a timely |
| industry's trade association?" The answer is | | | | manner. |
| emphatically yes and here is why. | | | | Your participation also gives you an industry voice in |
| Your trade association can provide you with many | | | | your profession. You'll have some influence over |
| benefits, some more obvious than others, that are | | | | government and industry regulations. You'll be able to |
| beneficial to your profession and your personal career. | | | | voice concerns relating to workplace safety and other |
| Your association will provide you with continuous | | | | issues within your field. |
| professional development providing regular programs, | | | | Membership will provide you with a directory of your |
| often on a monthly basis, that feature key speakers | | | | colleagues which makes staying in touch or locating a |
| from your profession that will talk about topics related | | | | colleague easy. |
| to your profession both directly and indirectly. | | | | Some industry trade associations also provide you |
| Special programs are often offered throughout the | | | | with benefits such as life insurance, disability, travel |
| year and most trade associations also offer ongoing | | | | discounts, reduced entry fees, and a host of other |
| training opportunities that may be directly related to | | | | services. Generally you are provided with a |
| your profession or related to self improvement, self | | | | membership card and all you need do is present it at a |
| motivation, or other personal improvement areas. | | | | participating outlet. Insurance options and other such |
| Membership also provides you with some terrific | | | | benefits may be automatic or you may be required to |
| opportunities to network with others in your field. You'll | | | | apply for them. |
| make some important contacts, and you'll get to | | | | It's also important that you support your industry, and |
| exchange experiences and ideas with other | | | | membership allows you to do that as well as reap all |
| professionals. It's a great way to expand and deepen | | | | the other benefits. So the answer to your question is |
| your knowledge. | | | | you should always join your Industry's trade |
| Some trade organizations have annual trade expos or | | | | association whenever possible. It's definitely worth the |
| opportunities where members can show their products | | | | cost! |
| and services as well as broaden their horizons. | | | | |