Professional_Knowledge_and_Abilities

Professional Knowledge and Abilities Professional Knowledge and Abilities To have a successful professional career, one must earn it through years of hard work, determination, and commitment. Sustaining a successful career involves the same amount of hard work. Individuals, who constantly seek out ways to expand his or her knowledge and increase their skills, will most likely have a long, rewarding, and fruitful career. Many professional organizations are devoted to the advancement of their specific field; providing a wide range of subject matter, which allows the professional to gain the knowledge and skills required for career success. The American Psychological Association (APA) is such an organization. American Psychological Association Brief Overview The American Psychological Association (APA) is based in the nation’s capital and encompasses more than 150,000 members in the United States, making it the largest association of psychologists in existence today. The mission of APA is to discovery innovative ways to improve and apply new knowledge, methods, and procedures in the ever-changing field of psychology, while helping the lives of individuals and society in general. The APA works persistently to be the center of innovation, deliberation, education, defenders of policy change, and activists of daily life. The APA is the number one source for students, consultants, doctors, and experts to advance their knowledge and skills (American Psychological Association, 2009). Increased Knowledge and Abilities One of the central commitments of the APA is the scientific and professional development of psychology and psychologists. They offer countless resources for attaining knowledge and refining skills to its members, no matter their specific field. According to career resources from the American Psychological Association (2009), “APA is dedicated to supporting the individual career aspirations of its members, and offers a full range of publications, services, and networking opportunities to get you started, keep you informed, and support you throughout your career” (para. 2). Monthly newsletters, which contain the most current information on the newest techniques of treating patients as well as discounts on continuing education are delivered to members (American Psychological Association, 2009). Impact on Career Many individuals entering or currently work in the field of psychology have realized the impact a membership with the American Psychological Association can have on one’s career. As a highly respected association of psychologists, a membership to the APA carries with it the respect of fellow colleagues and a greater respect from patients. However, the greatest influence on one’s career may come for the knowledge one receives from the valued information the APA provides to its members. Members can take the knowledge they gain and treat patients in a more effective and appropriate approach. The goal of psychologists is to improve the mental well-being of patients, and using the tools provided by the American Psychological Association will not only have an impact on the lives of patients; the impact on the career of the psychologists is immense (American Psychological Association, 2009). Gaining professional knowledge and abilities in one’s career will aid in continued success and reduce the likelihood of becoming obsolete in one’s field. Organizations such as the American Psychological Association, offers professional the ability to expand his or her knowledge and abilities with a large array of resources in the area of both patient care and career development. However, whatever profession one chooses, to be successful, one must work hard and constantly search for ways to better equip him or herself for the future.  American Psychological Association. (2009). About the American Psychological Association. Retrieved August 27, 2010, from http://www.apa.org/about/ American Psychological Association. (2009). Career Resource. Retrieved August 28, 2010, from http://www.apa.org/membership/career.html