pro·fes·sion·al: 1. participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs 2. exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
Professionals and “up and comers” alike oftentimes feel a sense of pressure to join organizations, societies, and other forums to move their careers forward. Some are available at no cost. Others require tidy sums for membership. It’s easy to question the validity when there are literally millions of social posts available on every subject imaginable… and unimaginable.
But here’s the thing: organizations are essential for professional growth and development.
As human beings, we need to network. Yes. I know… eye roll. We are firmly tired of the term, just as talk of AI seems to have already run its course. And we’ve become accustomed over these past few years to sitting at home, taking meetings via video, and using a search engine to find what we’re looking for to complete a project or even a thought.
However, I would argue that professional alliances, clubs, and institutions are something we need to do for ourselves. We tell clients every single day why they need our services, or how we may help them, whether we are lawyers, engineers, financial advisors, or in the trades. it’s easy to forget when we sign up, follow, or pay yearly association fees, we are nurturing our own work. It’s not something to apologize for, but something to be celebrated.
There are literally thousands of thought-provoking and inspiring groups across the US and the world. People work hard to bring advocacy, education, and support to us on specific ideas, technologies, advancements, and opportunities. Networking is a methodology. It needs to be embraced.
Maybe we should stop viewing networking as a “must do” and begin considering it as PTO for our professional wellbeing. I challenge you to take care of your professional self.
Categories: Consequence